Rotary Club of Charleston, WV
P.O. Box 111, Charleston, WV 25321
Club Number 5706
Rotary International District 7550
Chartered December 1, 1915
Meeting Time and Location:
MONDAY 12:00 p.m.
200 Civic Center Drive
Charleston, WV 25301
Rotary’s Motto: “Service Above Self”
The Story of the “Four – Way Test”
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 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-Wat 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: 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?”
Object of Rotary
The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
First: the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
Second: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying by each Rotarian of his/her occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
Third: The application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian to his/her personal, business and community life;
Fourth: The advancement of the ideal international understanding, good will and peace through a world of fellowship of business and professional people united in the ideal service.
