FOUR-WAY TEST

THE FOUR WAY TEST

As part of Rotary’s mission, Rotarians are expected to live up to high ethical standards that are specifically expressed in the Four Way Test:

“Of all things we think, say or do.

First, is it the TRUTH?

Second, is it FAIR to all concerned?

Third, will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Fourth, will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”

Adopted by Rotary in 1943, the Four Way Test is one of the most widely printed and quoted statement of business ethics in the world.  It has been translated into more than 200 languages and has been printed in thousands of publications.

It was written by Herbert J. Taylor in 1932, who had been asked to save the Club Aluminum Company from bankruptcy.  Taylor felt that the near defunct corporation needed something that would convey the character, dependability, and service-mindedness of its employees.  This 24-word test for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising and all relations with dealers and customers, The survival and significant success of the Club Aluminum Company is credited to this simply philosophy.  Eleven years after Rotary adopted The Four Way Test, Herbert Taylor – a long-time Rotarian – became president of Rotary International.