The Four-Way Test
From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One of the world’s most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is the Four-Way Test. Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as a Rotary International president) created the test in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy.
This short test for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising and all relationships with dealers and customers. The survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary in 1943, the Four-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways.
It is recited at the end of every Rotary Club meeting.
The Four-Way Test
Of the things we think, say or do:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?