The Rotary Club of Brisbane upholds the Four-Way Test as a guiding ethical standard, expecting members to embody these principles in all club activities and interactions. This commitment to integrity reinforces the club's dedication to fostering a respectful and responsible community presence. The Four-Way Test remains incredibly relevant in today’s world, where ethical and social challenges are increasingly complex.
With its focus on truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit, the test encourages Rotarians to practise honesty and transparency in their actions and communications, building trust within the community. The emphasis on goodwill and mutual benefit also encourages Rotarians to prioritise collaboration and positive social impact over individual gain, aligning the club's activities with its broader mission of service.
The origins of the Four-Way Test date back to 1932, when Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor developed it as a moral framework to guide employees at his struggling business, Club Aluminium Products. Facing possible bankruptcy, Taylor devised the test as a simple yet powerful code of ethics, with four essential questions: “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” These principles helped revive the business, and Rotary International formally adopted the Four-Way Test in 1943. Since then, it has become a core part of Rotary’s identity worldwide, reminding all members of the importance of ethical decision-making, mutual respect, and community responsibility.