(July 23, 2024)
Rotary’s “Four-Way Test” of the things we think, say or do is a moral code used by Rotarians for personal and business relationships and almost any aspect of life. It was originated in 1932, during the “Great Depression”, by Herbert Taylor, a Chicago Rotarian who was trying to save his 250-employee company from bankruptcy. His recovery plan started with changing his company’s ethical climate to set policies reflecting high ethics and morals. He produced a simple easily-remembered guide to right conduct:
  1. Is it the truth?
  2. Is it fair to all concerned?
  3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
  4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Eventually, by applying this Four-Way Test, the company repaid its debts and generously paid its shareholders.
 
In the 1940s, when he was an International Director of Rotary, he offered the Four-Way Test to the organization, which adopted it for internal and promotional use. Like Rotary, it is non-partisan politically and theologically. Herbert Taylor eventually gave Rotary International the right to use the test, with its copyright.
 
Herbert Taylor started the 4-Way Test Association (https://www.4waytest.org/) in 1959 to promote the Test’s use across national, international, cultural and economic borders. Wherever people need to overcome stagnation, prejudice, or confused loyalties, these 4 questions can stimulate constructive communication and resolve misunderstandings.  This 24-word test of the things we think, say or do remains a central part of the Rotary International philosophy, as the standard by which we should guide all of our personal behavior. We repeat the test frequently as our personal reminder to maintain high ethical standards.