The Four Way Test

One of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics in the world was created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 as the newly appointed president of a nearly bankrupt Chicago cookware company. As Herbert J Taylor looked for a way to save the struggling company he drew up a 24-word code of ethics for all employees to follow in their business and professional lives. This code of ethics became the guidelines for sales, production, advertising and all relations with dealers and customers and was the key factor that led to the company’s remarkable return to profitability. Herbert J Taylor became President of Rotary International in 1954 during Rotarys’ 50th anniversary year.

 

The 4-Way Test was adopted by Rotary International in 1943 and has since become one of the hallmarks of Rotary and the cornerstone of all its actions. It has been translated into more than 100 languages and has been published in thousands of ways. Its four brief questions are not based on culture or religion but instead provide a simple checklist for ethical behavior that transcends generations and national borders.