There is a world rule of work ethics that Rotarians like most to use, say, and keep in their workplace, which we call the “4-Way Test”.

This 4-way test was first described by Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 when he came to the head of the Chicago Aluminum Company which was about to go bankrupt. Tayor wrote a series of suggestions to guide all employees when he was searching for a way to rescue the company, which was writhing in the face of financial difficulties and at the point of collapse.

This 24-word business and ethics principle, which employees want to apply in their work and professional lives, has actually created a miracle and it has been understood that this simple business ethic principle and philosophy are everywhere feasible.

This “4 Way Test” was thought to be a Lodestar in all sales, production, advertising and buyer-seller relationships of the company and this simple philosophy saved the company.

Herb Taylor became president of the International Rotary in the period 1954-1955, but this “4 Way Test”, which appeared in 1943, has been translated into over a hundred different languages on the world and has been published in thousands of different shapes and forms. The message to be given by the 4 way test must be thoroughly known and applied by all Rotarians in the world.

That is: “Things we think, say or do”

• Is it the truth?
• Is it fair to all concerned?
• Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
• Will it be beneficial to all concerned