The Object of Rotary
First formulated in 1910 and adapted throughout the years as Rotary’s mission expanded, the Object of Rotary provides a succinct definition of the organisation’s purpose as well as the individual club member’s responsibilities.
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…
- The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
- High ethical standards in business and professions,
the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and
the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society; - The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
- The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
The 4-Way Test
One of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics in the world, the 4-Way Test was created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of a company facing bankruptcy.
Looking for a way to save the struggling company, he drew up a 24-word code of ethics for all employees to follow in their business dealings and professional lives.
The 4-Way Test was subsequently adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways.
“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?”