Rotarians often refer to 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?
From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians have been concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One of the world’s most widely quoted and printed business ethics statements is the Four-Way Test, created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as Rotary International president). Taylor coined the 24-word code of ethics when he took charge of a company facing bankruptcy. The Four-Way Test became a guide for the company’s production, sales, advertising and dealer and customer relations, and the company’s survival is credited to Taylor’s straightforward philosophy.
Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The Four-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and applied in thousands of ways.