The Four Way Test
One of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics in the world is the Rotary Four-Way Test. It was created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of a company that 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 Four-Way Test became the guide for sales, production, advertising and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy.
Herb Taylor became president of Rotary International in 1954-55. The Four-Way Test was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into more than one hundred languages and published in thousands of ways. In English it reads:
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?
Non-Discrimination
The Rossmoor Rotary Club and Foundation do not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, the appointment to, and termination from its Board of Directors, and membership, hiring and firing of contractors, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and service providers.
We will not tolerate discrimination, biases, harassment, or bullying of any kind. Regardless of race, socioeconomic status, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, or marital status, we are an organization that celebrates the richness of our community.
We are committed to comply with Rotary’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Code of Conduct available at https://rotary.org/en/document/rotary-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-code-conduct