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About Rotary - Interesting Facts
The Four-Way Test Means Business
“The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do” has served as a model of business ethics for scores of companies since the early 1900s. Originally thought up by past Rotary International President Herbert J. Taylor in 1932, and later adopted by Rotarian Charles R. Walgreen, founder of Walgreen's drugstore, the model has stood the test of time by providing companies like his with a “prescription for living, a new version of the golden rule.” The first question on the test states “Is it the truth?” Next comes “Is it fair to all concerned?” The second half of this model begins with the question “Will it build goodwill and better friendships?” And finally, “Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Herbert J. Taylor developed this famous philosophy when immoral business practices were contributing to and feeding the Great Depression. His goal was to implement something that would ultimately guide people and encourage them to conduct business in a respectable way. A way that would benefit society and hopefully bring them out of the growing economic chaos. Rotary International picked up the test in 1943 and for a time placed a copyright on it. However, after assuming the role of President in 1954, Taylor realized that it would be much more beneficial for the business world and society as a whole if the test were made public. Since then, Presidents and CEO’s, Rotarians and Professors alike have sworn by the test and give it nothing but praise. It has helped individuals succeed in the air force, has saved companies from bankruptcy, and much more.
Of the things we think, say and 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? The 4-Way Test is not a code, creed, or pledge, but rather four questions for self-examination and improvement of one's dealings with others. It is a simple and practical guide for all human relationships. The Test has been printed on thousands of articles, plaques, billboards, and posted in school rooms and public buildings, and been the topic of hundreds of essay and speech contests.
More.....Did you Know?
There is an INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP OF
FLYING ROTARIANS? YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A PILOT TO JOIN
THE INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP OF FLYING ROTARIANS...more »
VOCATIONAL SERVICE - Rotary's First Concept
The constitution of the Chicago Rotary Club, written in January of 1906, stated two objects of Rotary. The first was "The promotion of the business interests of its members." The second object was the concept of friendship. This idea of business as an object of Rotary was retained in 1912, when the International Association of Rotary Clubs adopted a statement with 5 Objects of Rotary.
Although the business concept had evolved to a broader statement, it was still listed as number one - "To promote the recognition of the worthiness of all legitimate occupations, and to dignify each member's occupation as affording him an opportunity to serve society; to encourage high standards in business and professions; and to increase the efficiency of each member by the exchange of ideas and business methods."
From the very beginning, Rotary membership was based on classifications, and classifications were based solely on one's business, profession of vocation.
The second direction which the early Rotarians took was to promote higher ethical standards in business and professional practices. It was said that in the early meetings of Rotary, the members frequently discussed techniques to improve the business practices and offered wise and friendly counsel to each other. If a Rotarians' advertising seemed misleading, if members heard negative comments about the quality of another member's products, or if there were steps a member could take to greet his customers in an improved manner -- those, and many other business topics might be fair discussion at a weekly club meeting.
Soon, the members and their friends began to feel that when you do business with a Rotarian, you were always going to be treated properly, that their word could be counted upon, and that there was an ethical element in all transactions. Thus, the word "Rotarian" was considered a mark of distinction in the business world -- equivalent to the mark of "sterling" found stamped on a piece of high quality silverware.
The Chicago Rotary Club, and others which followed, created a "Committee on Business Methods" which concentrated attention on the business and ethical practices and public confidence of each enterprise in their community. Rotary Clubs were regarded as leaders in fighting corruption and unfair business practices. It was as early as 1910, that Rotarian Arthur Sheldon, spoke at Rotary's first Convention in Chicago, saying: "As man comes into the light of wisdom, he comes to see that right conduct toward others pays; that business is the science of human service, and that he profits most who serves his fellows best. Thus, one of Rotary's first mottoes came into being -- a basic principle of business ethics.
In passing, it might be noted that just a year later at the 1911 conference in Portland, Oregon, Ben Collins, President of the Minneapolis Rotary Club told that his club used the principle of "Service Above Self" in all of their business and professional activities. And our second motto was initiated. Both of these mottoes were officially adopted many years later at the 1950 Convention in Detroit.....more »
- THURSDAYS
- NOON at The Lodge in Santa Fe
Club #1322
Chartered 1924
Mailing address:
PO Box 2465, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2465
