Rotary Club of Jenkintown

Dedicated to "Service Above Self" since 1924                                          "They Profit Most Who Serve Best"

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The Four Way Test

The Four Way Test is a basic ethical guideline that Rotarians pledge to follow in their personal and business lives.

From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One of the world's most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is The Four Way Test.

The four way test was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as Rotary International president).  Taylor was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy. After accepting the job, he was dismayed by the company's problems, but sagaciously realized they were all the consequence of broken promises, poor interpersonal relations or unethical behavior by company employees.

Taylor created a simple code of ethics for employees to follow in their business and professional lives.   He insisted that it  become the guide for all sales, production, advertising, and all dealing with dealers or customers.  By implementing this twenty-four word guide throughout the enterprise, Taylor turned the company around to become a success.

Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The Four Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways. It asks the following four questions:

"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 relationships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"