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It was created by Rotarian Herbert I. Taylor in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of the Chicago-based Club Aluminum Company, which was facing bankruptcy Taylor 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 professional 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.

Herb Taylor became president of Rotary International during 1954-55. The 4-Way Test was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into more than 100 languages and published in thousands of ways.

The message should be known and followed by all Rotarians.

“Of the 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?”

Reproduction and Use of The Four-Way Test

The sole purpose of any reproduction or use of The Four-Way Test should be the development and maintenance of high ethical standards in human relations. Any reproduction should not be a direct part of any advertisement intended to increase sales or profits. It may, however, be used in a letterhead or literature, if done in a way to explain that a sincere attempt is being made to have all of the human relations of the firm, organization, or institution conducted along the lines of The Four-Way Test. All reproductions of The Four-Way Test should be in the form shown above.

When The Four-Way Test is reproduced as a part of or in connection with anything to be distributed by a Rotary club or group of clubs, the reproduction should be followed by reference to the club or group of clubs so as to appropriately associate the club(s) with the attempt being made to promote the conduct of all human relations along the lines of The Four-Way Test. The Four-Way Test should not be referred to as a “code” in any sense.