An Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) of the Importance and Current Competency Levels of Nail Beauty Job Competencies by Educational Institution

Purpose: Across educational institutions and based on National Competency Standards (NCS), this study analyzed differences in the importance and current competency levels of nail salon positions. Moreover, it also proposed improvement directions using the importance performance analysis (IPA) technique. Methods: A total of 521 questionnaires were collected from beauty majors enrolled in specialized high schools, junior colleges, and four-year universities, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Results: First, among educational institutions, differences in perceived position importance were observed only at levels 2 and 3, with junior college students ranking lowest. Differences in current competency levels were found only at level 3, with four-year university students ranking highest and junior college students lowest. Second, the IPA analysis results indicated that hygiene services were located in the status quo area; basic positions in the excessive effort area; advanced technology, management, and education positions in the low-priority area; and design sculpture, airbrushing, fusion nail art, and problematic foot care in the focused improvement area. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the current NCS curriculum does not adequately reflect the industrial field’s recent changes. More specifically, the results suggest the need for a progressive educational design that internalizes basic competencies, strengthens intermediate and advanced skills, and expands managerial and educational capabilities.