THE FOUR WAY TEST

For 72 years Rotarians have been using The 4-Way Test as a practical yardstick in their business, community and personal affairs. The 4-Way Test does not provide answers. It asks questions which the user must answer. Thousands of Rotarians have used it and shared it with others. Millions of copies have been distributed to students and business associates.

The test has been carved into granite monuments, displayed on billboards, written into labor contracts, printed on wrapping paper and umbrellas and has been the theme of countless essay contests and addresses.

We will be sharing The 4-Way Test created by
Herbert J. Taylor and how Rotary clubs can promoted use
of The 4-Way Test.

History- Herbert J. Taylor, a member of the Rotary Club of Chicago, was asked to take over the near-bankrupt Club Aluminum Company in 1932. The company was a distributor of the cookware and other house hold items.

It was a last ditch effort to save the company, which had no money, low employee morale, and ruthless competition from other firms in similar trait during the severe economic depression faced all over the world.

One day in July 1932, Herbert decided about the matter using his Rotary background to draft a 24-word code of conduct and wrote out The 4-Way Test of the things we think, say, or do as follows :

Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

He discussed it with his four department heads and asked them to do the same. Over 20 years of sincere effort in applying the test in its dealings with employees, customers, dealers and suppliers, company's fortunes turned around; it eliminated its debt, paid its stock holders over $1 million in dividends and build a net worth of $2 million. All these rewards came from a cash investment of on $6,100 (This was given as a loan by Chicago Bank)

THE 4-WAY TEST
WITH HERBERT TAYLOR

A Vocational Service Program-
In January 1943, the Rotary International Board of Directors agreed that The 4-Way Test should be brought to the attention of Rotary Clubs. it became a part of the Vocational Service ideal and has been published in various forms in many languages by R.I.

How Rotary Club Can Spread The 4-Way Test ?-

Through local schools-
A Speech Contest - subject can be "The 4-Way Test as a way of life"
An essay contest - subject can be "How Can I Use The 4-Way Test in My Life ?
A Poster Contest
Manual training class or art class
Skits

Taking the Test to Community -

The most dramatic instance of application of The 4-Way Test has been introducing it to an entire community. Having introduced the Test to the young people, it is a logical step to go on and introduce it to their parents and the rest of the adult community. Newspaper, radio and television advertisements, billboards, posters, windshield stickers to motorists & cards are the best ways for community involvement. A 4-Way Test Week - Annual 4-Way Test Week can be established

C. The Test is everyone's business-

Here are five ways in which you can use The 4-Way Test in your business:

Use The 4-Way Test in self-evolution.
Shaping policy and planning decisions.
Analyzing problems.
Sharing Rotary's ideals with associates.
Business relations conferences

Members meet the Test-

Within the club at regular meeting and at special events, The 4-Way Test can be presented conveniently to members and to guests. Posters, desk plagues, pocket folders, pens, pencils and many other items of a relatively inexpensive nature can be presented.

Policy governing reproduction of The 4-Way Test –

The R.I. Board of Directors has established a policy governing the reproduction of the Test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages. The policy appears in the Manual of Procedure (EX3-035-EN).

The sole purpose of any reproduction or use of The 4-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

How to order 4-Way Test items- Materials to help promote club, school or community 4-Way Test projects include pocket folders and desk plaques that may be ordered through the R.I. office serving in the area -South East Asia Office (New Delhi). See the "Catalog" (CD3-019-EN) for Rotary's 4-Way Test materials with prices. In addition, a wide range of items-including auto decals and car tags, book covers, promotion kits and guides, paper weights, pens and pencils, T-shirts and informative literature-may be ordered through The 4-Way Test Association, Inc.,4211 Carmichael.,Mountgomery, AL 36106, U.S.A.