An exploratory study of basic desires of comprehensive school teachers in Finland: a perspective on Reiss’ basic desires theory and leadership

The aim of this exploratory study is to describe the basic desires of comprehensive school teachers in Finland from the perspective of Reiss’ basic desires theory. Quantitative data were collected from teachers (n = 71) at nine Finnish comprehensive schools between November 2020 and spring 2021. The Reiss Motivation Profile® was used as a scale to measure how the individuals prioritize between their 16 basic desires. Findings show that teachers have low need for saving, independence, power, social contact, and curiosity. In contrast, family is a high-intensity motive, indicating strong motivation related to family-related values and responsibilities. The results suggest that the Reiss Motivation Profile® can serve as an effective tool for recognizing teachers’ intrinsic motives and values. In leadership, acknowledging these motives as strengths can foster teachers’ enthusiasm and empower them in a sustainable way, supporting their well-being and engagement in teaching.