Understanding Rotary

Posted by Charlie Wasser

This is the first of 8 weekly segments to be included in the weekly eBulletin. The series of 8 are a modification of 10 letters distributed during the RI President's membership meeting last year. They are intended to be sent one at a time on a weekly basis to Red Badgers and relatively new Blue Badgers to explain various aspects of Rotary International and the local clubs. It seems as a first run through, there would be benefits to sending it to the general membership. Once we have gone through the first cycle of 8, the material will be posted on the members' only area. (As always, your feedback is welcome!!!)

WEEKLY DOSE OF ROTARY INFORMATION

THE ROTARY 4 - WAY TEST

One of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics in the world is the Rotary 4-way test.

The Rotarian's 4-WAY TEST: of the things we think, say or do...

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?

The "4-Way Test" was created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 who was asked to save an Aluminum Company facing bankruptcy. Taylor looked for a way to save the company which was mired in depression-caused financial difficulties. He drew up this 24-word code of ethics and asked all employees to live their professional and personal life by this code. Relationships between sales, production, marketing and dealers / customers were guided by the 4-way test. The survival of the company was credited to this simple philosophy.

Herb Taylor became President of R.I. during 1954-55. The 4-Way Test was adapted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into more than 100 languages and published in thousands of ways.

We encourage all Rotarians to hang the Four Way Test in their places of business and live their lives by this code of ethics. It is what separates us from other service organizations.

Yours in Rotary,

Charlie