| One
of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics in the world is the
Rotary “4-Way Test.” It was created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932
when he was asked to take charge of a company facing bankruptcy. He looked for a way to
save the struggling company mired in depression-caused financial difficulties. He
drew up a 24 word code of ethics for all employees to follow in their business and
personal lives. The 4 Way Test became the guide for sales, production, advertising,
and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company was credited
to this simple philosophy: |
“Of all 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 FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
