Purpose: The article presents the results of research concerning the influence of motives
for choosing a career on the level of work motivation in teaching profession.

Methodology: A survey was conducted among a sample of 111 teachers from 53 schools
located in Mazovian voivodeship. The subject of analysis focused on teachers’
satisfaction from choosing this profession and their level of job satisfaction. The
survey was carried out in 4 groups of teachers characterized by a different motive for
choosing their career.

Findings: The results obtained in the abovementioned survey corroborated the hypothesis
stating that teachers’ desire to do their job (intrinsic motivation) is related to
the effectiveness of motivational systems that do not involve financial rewards.

Practical implications: The results showed by the study can be put into practice
when designing motivational systems for teachers, as well as planning and implementing
recruiting process in case of this occupational group.

Originality: The presented study and its results serve as an attempt to cover the gap
that exists in literature devoted to management. There is a lack of publications that
would showcase empirical evidence proving the significance of intrinsic motivation
in work at school in the context of the effectiveness of teachers’ motivational processes.