The Four-Way Test: Difference between revisions
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==Use by the Ghanaian judicial system== |
==Use by the Ghanaian judicial system== |
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The test is displayed on billboards in court premises in [[Ghana]].<ref name = "graphicghana">{{cite web |url=http://www.graphic.com.gh/news/page.php?news=13636&title=Don't%20Compromise%20Justice%20System%20-%20Chief%20Justice |title=Don't Compromise Justice System - Chief Justice |last1=Mensah |first1=Mary |last2= |first2= |date=2011-06-18 |work=Graphicghana.com |publisher=Graphic Comunications Group Ltd. |accessdate=2011-07-03}}</ref> |
The test is displayed on billboards in court premises in [[Ghana]].<ref name = "graphicghana">{{cite web |url=http://www.graphic.com.gh/news/page.php?news=13636&title=Don't%20Compromise%20Justice%20System%20-%20Chief%20Justice |title=Don't Compromise Justice System - Chief Justice |last1=Mensah |first1=Mary |last2= |first2= |date=2011-06-18 |work=Graphicghana.com |publisher=Graphic Comunications Group Ltd. |accessdate=2011-07-03}}</ref> |
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==Ambiguities== |
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The test is ambiguous, because it is unclear how the four elements work together. For example, is it sufficient that a proposed course of action be truthful? Or should a Rotarian reject truthful conduct if the proposed conduct is not "fair to all concerned" or is not likely to "build goodwill and better friendships" or be "beneficial"? And how, and by whom, are vauge words like "fair" and "beneficial" to be determined? And if truthful conduct is rendered inappropriate because of a failure to satisfy elements 2, 3, and 4 of the test, is false or deceptive conduct acceptable? The fact that this test was derived through prayer or perhaps a dream renders it suspect and not necessarily the product of logical reasoning. Rotarians tend to mindlessly recite this test as if it were holy writ, but when asked to explain it, generally cannot. Some Rotarians will recite the four-test when attempting to avoid payment of their just obligations, particularly if the person who performed the service is a fellow Rotarian.{{fact|date}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 02:03, 17 May 2013
The Four-Way Test" of the things we think, say or do is a test used by Rotarians world-wide as a moral code for personal and business relationships. The test can be applied to almost any aspect of life.[1] The test was scripted by Herbert J. Taylor an American from Chicago as he set out to save the Club Aluminum Products Distribution Company from bankruptcy. It was later adopted by Rotary International a global service club organization.[2]
The test
The Four-Way Test 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?[2]
Genesis
In the early 1930s Herbert J. Taylor an American set out to save the Club Aluminum Products distribution company from bankruptcy. He believed himself to be the only person in the company with 250 employees who had hope. His recovery plan started with changing the ethical climate of the company. He explained:
The first job was to set policies for the company that would reflect the high ethics and morals God would want in any business. If the people who worked for Club Aluminum were to think right, I knew they would do right. What we needed was a simple, easily remembered guide to right conduct - a sort of ethical yardstick- which all of us in the company could memorize and apply to what we thought, said and did.
I searched through many books for the answer to our need, but the right phrases eluded me, so I did what I often do when I have a problem I can't answer myself: I turn to the One who has all the answers. I leaned over my desk, rested my head in my hands and prayed. After a few moments, I looked up and reached for a white paper card. Then I wrote down the twenty-four words that had come to me:
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?
I called it "The Four-Way Test" of the things we think, say or do."
Adoption of the test by Rotary
In 1940s, when Taylor was an international director of Rotary, he offered the Four Way Test to the organization, and it was adopted by Rotary for its internal and promotional use. Never changed, the twenty four word test remains today a central part of the permanent Rotary structure throughout the world, and is held as the standard by which all behaviour should be measured. The test has been promoted around the world and is used in myriad forms to encourage personal and business ethical practices.[3] Taylor gave Rotary International the right to use the test in the 1940s and the copyright in 1954. He retained the rights to use the test for himself, his Club Aluminum Company and the Christian Workers Foundation. [4]
Use by the Ghanaian judicial system
The test is displayed on billboards in court premises in Ghana.[5]
Ambiguities
The test is ambiguous, because it is unclear how the four elements work together. For example, is it sufficient that a proposed course of action be truthful? Or should a Rotarian reject truthful conduct if the proposed conduct is not "fair to all concerned" or is not likely to "build goodwill and better friendships" or be "beneficial"? And how, and by whom, are vauge words like "fair" and "beneficial" to be determined? And if truthful conduct is rendered inappropriate because of a failure to satisfy elements 2, 3, and 4 of the test, is false or deceptive conduct acceptable? The fact that this test was derived through prayer or perhaps a dream renders it suspect and not necessarily the product of logical reasoning. Rotarians tend to mindlessly recite this test as if it were holy writ, but when asked to explain it, generally cannot. Some Rotarians will recite the four-test when attempting to avoid payment of their just obligations, particularly if the person who performed the service is a fellow Rotarian.[citation needed]
References
- ^ Stadalsky, Kris (2011-06-26). "Rotary's Four-Way Test a good life tool". The Herald-News. CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. Retrieved 2011-07-04.
- ^ a b "About us". THE 4 WAY TEST ASSOCIATION. The 4-Way Test Association, Inc. Retrieved 2011-07-02.
- ^ a b "Herbert Taylor". ANBHF Laureate program. The American National Business Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2011-07-02.
- ^ "Rotary International Presidents". RGHF - Internet project. Rotary Global History Fellowship. Retrieved 2011-07-02.
- ^ Mensah, Mary (2011-06-18). "Don't Compromise Justice System - Chief Justice". Graphicghana.com. Graphic Comunications Group Ltd. Retrieved 2011-07-03.