Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1950 THE “FOUR-WAY TEST”

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 3, 27 February 1950, Page 4

Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1950

THE “FOUR-WAY TEST”

A simple test of human conduct, boiled down to checking one’s contemplated actions in relations with one’s fellows by four brief questions has done much, according to its originator, American business executive Herbert J. Taylor, to build actual business figures as well as goodwill. Now a man with the vision to see its possibilities as an instrument to raise the standard of human relationships, both business and personal, in our own community has introduced it to Whakatane.

He prefers to remain anonymous, but keen appreciation of his ideals was shown by the Whakatane Rotary Club last week when each member was presented with a black vitrolite desk plaque featuring these four 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?

This “four-way test” has bben called the shortest effective code of standards of correct practice so far devised. It is now being used by numerous trade associations, service clubs, corporations, professional institutions, and by thousands of individuals as a simple measuring stick to assist in determining what is “right” in human relations.

On the backs of the plaques issued to Whakatane Rotarians it is noted that the test can be applied profitably in relations with others in home, community, business, national and international life; particularly in regard to proposed plans, policies, statements and advertising in business and professions as well as proposed legislation in government.

If this thing is taken seriously and seriously applied by all the recipients of the little anonymous gift, then they and dll those with whom they have any dealings should have cause to bless the donor.

Here is a simple code of business ethics and human conduct that, if faithfully applied, can raise the whole standard of our community life. * The four test questions bring the man who answers them honestly and acts on the right answers very near to the ideal set by the “four absolutes” so widely publicised a few years ago by the “Moral Rearmament” group of social reformers, who had boiled down their idea of Christian conduct to these standards: Absolute honesty. Absolute purity. Absolute unselfishness. Absolute love.

Most will confess that the summary is a good, sound one; also that those standards are pretty hard to live by.

But it will be agreed that if we could all resolve to live by the “four absolutes” and apply the “four-way test” to all our dealings, then we should be living in a very much better world.