The Four Way Test

Each week we begin our meeting with reciting The Four Way Test.  This ethical code dates back to the Great Depression.  In 1932, Herbert J. Taylor, a Chicago Rotarian, was asked to take over a the struggling Club Aluminum Company.  He found the company near bankruptcy, suffered from low employee morale, and stiff competition from other firms.  Taylor drafted the 24-word code of conduct to be used to guide all decisions.  Club Aluminum applied The Four Way Test to its dealings with employees, customers, dealers and suppliers.  Further, it walked away from business that failed one or more of its standards.  The company's fortunes turned around, it survived and prospered into a very successful business.   In 1943, Rotary adopted The Four Way Test as its code of ethics.  Taylor went onto become the President of Rotary International in 1954.

Of the things we think do and say:

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?