Rotary and the Four Way Test

Is it the truth?

Is it fair to all concerned?

Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The thing that makes Rotary different than all other service clubs is our code of ethics. We call this code ‘The Four-Way Test’ and we use it for the things we think, say or do.

In 1932 Herbert J. Taylor (a Rotarian) was to take charge of the Club Aluminum Products distribution company which was facing bankruptcy. He believed himself to be the only person in the company with 250 employees who had hope. His recovery plan started with changing the ethical climate of the company. 20 years later, by applying the Four-Way Test, the company repaid its debts, generously paid its shareholders, and had a healthy financial balance.

This test was adopted by Rotary in 1943, it has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways (mugs, T-shirts, keychains ... the list goes on).