4-Way Test

FITZGEREL@aol.com (FITZGEREL@aol.com)
Thu, 11 Mar 1999 12:18:20 EST


   One of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business
 ethics in the world is the Rotary 4-Way Test.  It was created by Rotarian
 Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of a company
 that was facing bankruptcy. Taylor looked for a way to save the struggling
 company mired in depression caused financial difficulties. He drew up a
 24-word code of ethics for all employees to follow in their business and
 professional lives.  The 4-Way Test became the guide for sales, production,
 advertising and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival
 of the company is credited to this simple philosophy.
 
      Herb Taylor became president of Rotary International in 1954-55.  The
 4-Way Test was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into more
 than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways.
      Here it is in English:
                "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?"