Even though a search of the Internet produces over 700 references to “Rotary International” and “Code of Ethics” and a version of “4-Way Test” or “Four-Way Test”, Rotary has not had a code of ethics since 1980.

In fact, at the 1980 Council on Legislation, reference to the Rotary Code of Ethics was deleted from the by-laws of Rotary International. According to the Manual of Procedure for 1981 on pages 234 and 235, the Four-Way Test is “a means of furthering the vocational service phase of the Rotary program.”

The 1981 MOP further states. “The sole purpose of any reproduction or use of The Four-Way Test should be the development and maintenance of high ethical standards in human relations.” 

Rotary has had a “Code of Ethics,” and it can be found here, along with its history. However, it was NEVER replaced by the Four-Way Test.

Doug Rudman

The Four-Way Test

(as per the 1981 MOP)

As a means of furthering the vocational service phase of the Rotary program, the attention of clubs is directed to "The Four-Way Test."

Reproduction and Use of

The Four-Way Test

All reproductions of The Four-Way Test should be in the following form:

THE FOUR-WAY TEST Of things we think, say or do

1) Is it the TRUTH?

2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3) Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The sole purpose of any reproduction or use of The Four-Way Test should be the development and maintenance of high ethical standards in human relations. Any reproduction should not be a direct part of any advertisement intended to increase sales or profits; it may, however, be worked into a letterhead or other piece of literature, if done in a way to explain that a sincere attempt is being made to have all of the human relations of the firm, organization or institution conducted along the lines of The Four-Way Test.

When The Four-Way Test is reproduced as a part of or in connection with anything to be distributed by a Rotary club or group of clubs, the reproduction should be followed by reference to the club or group of clubs so as to appropriately associate the club or clubs with the attempt being made to promote the conduct of all human relations along the lines of The Four-Way Test.

The Four-Way Test should not be referred to as a "code" in any sense.