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The 4-Way Test
From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One of the world's most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is The 4-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI president) when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy. This 24-word code of ethics for employees to follow in their business and professional lives 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. Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The 4-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways. It asks the following four questions:
"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?"
THE FOUR WAY TEST Speech Contest has become a feature both in Willoughby Rotary and the Vocational Service program for District 6630. Clubs fund their own contests, and in our case, the effort was led by Dr. Jim Oddis for many years, and is now in Al Esser's capable hands.
2007 Contest Results:
- 1st place: Joe Pavlisko is a Junior at Kirtland High School. Joe spoke about the prejudice, he as an American, experienced during his time in Germany as an exchange student.
- 2nd place (tie): Kaitlin Marvin is a Senior at Andrews School. Kaitlin spoke about the pitfalls of Universities using superficial criteria in admissions rather than selecting the most academically qualified candidates.
- 2nd place (tie): Megan Passwaiter is a Sophomore at Eastlake North. Megan spoke about the impact of a family divorce.
The judges discussed the two contestants in the second place tie at length, and could not reach a consensus on choosing one in preference to the other for second and third place. Therefore, two second place awards were given, and there will be no third place award this year. All three winners have been invited to present their speeches at a club meeting. Joe Pavlisko has been invited to compete in the District Contest.
Thanks to the 4-Way Test team for their work.
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In 1942, Richard Vernor of Chicago, then a director of Rotary International, suggested that Rotary adopt the Test. The R.I. Board approved his proposal in January 1943 and made The Four-Way Test a component of the Vocational Service program, although today it is considered a vital element in all four Avenues of Service.
Herb Taylor transferred the copyright to Rotary International when he served as R.I. president in 1954-55, during the organization's golden anniversary.
See videos of District 6630 4-Way Speech Contest Winners here.
Meetings: 12:15 p.m. Monday, Gavi's at 38257 Glenn Ave., Willoughby
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