Do you know where the Four-Way Test came from?
Herbert J. Taylor, RI President 1955-56.
Created in 1932, Taylor, a member of the Rotary Club of Chicago was facing a significant challenge in business. He had recently become president of the Club Aluminum Products Company, which was struggling financially and on the brink of bankruptcy. Taylor believed that ethical behavior and high moral standards were key to turning the company around.
Over $400,000 in debt in 1932, it would be an equivalent of 9.2 million in 2024. They borrowed $6,100 to stay afloat.
Leaned on his Faith
He believed himself to be the only person of 250 employees who had hope and believed a recovery plan had to start with changing the ethical climate of the company.
As a devout Methodist he believed that the company needed policies that aligned with his ethical and moral views.
Creation of the Test
Taylor sought a simple yet powerful ethical guideline that his employees could easily remember and apply in their work. After much contemplation and prayer, he devised the Four-Way Test, which consisted of just 24 words:
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build good will and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Employees embraced the principles, leading to improved honesty, fairness, and cooperation. Over time, the company’s reputation improved, customer trust was restored, and profitability returned.
In 1943, Rotary adopted the Four-Way Test as a part of its Code of Ethics, Rotary’s core values and commitment to high ethical standards. Today used as a guide, Rotarians around the world make decisions that align with Rotary’s principles of service, integrity, and leadership.
BALLOT
The following named people have been proposed
for membership in the Rotary Club of Wichita Falls
and approved for balloting by the
Board of Directors.
RYAN PITCHFORD
HOSPICE OF WICHITA FALLS
COMMUNITY LIASON
PROPOSED BY: ALAN DONALDSON
Any comment regarding the proposed members should be given in writing or by email to the Club Secretary no later than
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
BALLOT
The following named people have been proposed
for membership in the Rotary Club of Wichita Falls
and approved for balloting by the
Board of Directors.
MITCHELL PRIDDIS
WEBFIRE COMMUNICATIONS
CLIENT RELATIONS
PROPOSED BY: ALAN DONALDSON
Any comment regarding the proposed members should be given in writing or by email to the Club Secretary no later than
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
BALLOT
The following named people have been proposed
for membership in the Rotary Club of Wichita Falls
and approved for balloting by the
Board of Directors.
DAVID ADAMS
A-I CONSTRUCTION REMODELING
& ROOFING INC.
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
PROPOSED BY: ANDY KOCHER
Any comment regarding the proposed members should be given in writing or by email to the Club Secretary no later than
Wednesday, July 2, 2025