Motivational Factors Contributing to Teachers’ Job Satisfaction and Attraction to Pedagogical Work in Kalvarija Municipality, Lithuania

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15503/andr2025.9

Keywords:

teachers, motivation, pedagogical work, artificial intelligence, Herzberg’s model

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the study is to empirically assess the motivational structure of teachers working in Kalvarija municipality by analysing the relative importance of internal and external motivational factors. The study examines teachers’ priorities regarding working conditions, municipal support measures, and professional development opportunities, as well as their attitudes toward the application of generative artificial intelligence in pedagogical practice.

Methods. A standardised questionnaire based on established motivation theories was used. The instrument consisted of 114 items covering sociodemographic characteristics, motivational factors, working conditions, recognition, professional development, and attitudes towards artificial intelligence. The survey was administered online in June 2025. Data from 86 teachers was analysed using descriptive statistics, non‑parametric tests, reliability analysis, and ranking methods.

Results. The findings show that teachers’ motivation is primarily supported by opportunities for professional development, meaningful work, and recognition. According to Herzberg’s model, internal motivators were rated highest, whereas external hygiene factors such as job security and health insurance received lower evaluations. Ranking analyses revealed stable priority patterns (Kendall’s W = 0.31–0.56; Friedman p < 0.001).

Conclusions. The results of the study indicate that teachers’ motivation in Kalvarija municipality is shaped by a combination of internal motivators and external hygiene factors. Job satisfaction and professional involvement are most strongly supported by opportunities for professional development, recognition, and a clear sense of meaning in pedagogical work.

Practical application. The instrument can be adapted for use in other regions and countries and provides guidance for municipalities seeking to improve teacher motivation.

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Author Biographies

Gintautė Žibėnienė, Institute of Educology and Social Work, Faculty of Human and Social Studies, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities 20, Vilnius, LT-08303, Lithuania

Associate Professor, Institute of Educational and Social Work, , Mykolas Romeris University Vilnius, Lithuania. He teaches at various levels of study: professional studies, bachelor's, master's, doctoral study programmes. Research and areas of interest: contemporary didactics topicalities, modern educational technologies and IT tools, educational innovations, self-reflection, reflection and self-assessment of teachers, monitoring of personal achievements and progress, assessment of competences and personal achievements, creation of a good school, communication and cooperation in educational institutions, quality assurance of teaching/studies (internal and external evaluation), methodology and qualitative aspects of teaching/study design, non-formal ensuring the quality of children's education, social welfare, and socio-pedagogical aspects. She has prepared and conducted various qualification development courses for educators, more than 20 years of experience. Expert experience in quality assessment of educational programmes.

Edita Vosylienė, Institute of Education Sciences, Law and Social Welfare, Sūduvian Academy, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities 20, Vilnius, LT-08303, Lithuania

Manager of Preschool education study program at the Suduvian Academy of Marijampole (Lithuania) in the Department of the Institute of Educational Sciences, Law and Human Welfare. Author of several scientific publications, the book "Socioeducational work with the child ". Current PhD student at the University of Vilnius. Master's degree in Master of Education (Branch of Management of Social Institutions) from the Vilnius Pedagogy University of Vilnius. Bachelor's in Education. She is a junior researcher implementing republican educational projects, a non-formal education teacher in educational institutions and a training manager.

Dangis Gudelis, Institute of Public Administration, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities 20, Vilnius, LT-08303, Lithuania

Professor at Mykolas Romeris University (Vilnius, Lithuania) and a Data Scientist at the State Data Agency Statistics Lithuania. He brings over twenty years of experience in higher education, research, and consultancy, with expertise that bridges public governance, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. At Mykolas Romeris University, Prof. Gudelis has held teaching and research positions since 2000, advancing from Lecturer to Associate Professor and now Professor. He established and currently leads the Master’s specialization in Data Analytics for Public Governance, integrating innovative project-based learning with cutting-edge analytical methods. He has developed and taught courses such as Introduction to Data Science, Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector, and Analysis and Information Management in the Public Sector. In addition, he has delivered international training on Python-based data analytics, including a course for public sector officers in Kazakhstan. His research contributions include directing a Research Council of Lithuania project on municipal performance measurement, as well as conducting policy analysis at the Government Strategic Analysis Centre (STRATA). His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Management and Administration from Mykolas Romeris University, an M.Phil. in Social Theory from the University of Central Europe, and earlier studies in philosophy at Vilnius University. Prof. Gudelis’s current work focuses on applying data science and AI to public governance, combining academic rigor with practical solutions for evidence-based policymaking and sustainable societal development.

Irena Žemaitaitytė, Institute of Educology and Social Work, Faculty of Human and Social Studies, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities 20, Vilnius, LT-08303, Lithuania

Professor at Mykolas Romeris university, Vilnius, Lithuania. She is teaching at bachelor, master and doctoral level, at the home university and abroad, has over 20 years’ experience in initiation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the national (including funded by Lithuanian Research Council) and international (Erasmus+, Norplus, COST, Europe Horizon) projects. She is involved as a researcher and trainer in the fields of lifelong learning, teachers training, non-formal and ICT education. She was project manager of many projects concerning adult education, cultural educational activities, digital teachers’ competences, and education of vulnerable groups. She is a trainer in andragogy and facilitator in participatory methods, working on these issues both at local, national and transnational level. She is a member of the European Society for Research on the Education of Adults and an Editor in chief of the Scientific Journal "Social Inquiry into Well-Being". Research experience: presented more than 50 presentations in scientific forums, published more as 60 articles in scientific periodicals. She took part in 12 international projects as coordinator (group leader). 

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Žibėnienė, G., Gudelis, D., Žemaitaitytė, I., Vosylienė, E., & Mykolas Romeris University. (2025). Motivation of general education teachers for pedagogical work and attraction to work in Kalvarija municipality: Research report [Unpublished project report]. Projects Department of Mykolas Romeris University.

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Published

2026-02-17

How to Cite

Žibėnienė, G., Vosylienė, E., Gudelis, D., & Žemaitaitytė, I. (2026). Motivational Factors Contributing to Teachers’ Job Satisfaction and Attraction to Pedagogical Work in Kalvarija Municipality, Lithuania. Andragogy Adult Education and Social Marketing, 5(5). https://doi.org/10.15503/andr2025.9

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Vol. 5 No. 5 (2025): Andragogy, Adult Education and Social Marketing

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Gintautė Žibėnienė, Edita Vosylienė, Dangis Gudelis, Irena Žemaitaitytė

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.