Transcript The Rotary’s Four-Way Test and the Rutland Institute’s

In the World of Ethics:
Rotary’s Four-Way Test
And
Rutland Institute’s Toolbox Approach
and Decision Framework
Presented by Linda M. Gallicchio
District 7750 Four Way Test Committee Chair
And
Associate Director, Business Outreach
Clemson University’s Rutland Institute for Ethics
The Four-Way Test
“Of the things we think, say or do:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL &
BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all
concerned?”
Copyright 2009 Rutland Institute for Ethics
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The Underlying Values
of The Four Way Test
Veracity
Justice
Fraternity/Community
Beneficence
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Ethical Decision Making
Ethicists often view issues through
one or more of three philosophical
“lenses”:
1. Consequences
2. Rights and duties/deserved
treatment
3. Aspirations (virtues, character)
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Rutland’s Ethical Toolbox Approach
Convergence Begets Confidence*
Consequences
Deserved Treatment
Aspirations
Decision/Moral Judgment
* Randy Barnett coined the convergence slogan
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Copyright 2009 Rutland Institute for Ethics
Rotary’s Four Way Test
Rutland’s Ethical Toolbox Approach
Convergence Begets Confidence*
Goodwill
Better Friendships
Friendships
Consequences
Truth
Fair
Deserved Treatment
Beneficial
Goodwill
Better
Aspirations
Beneficial
Decision/Moral Judgment
* Randy Barnett coined the convergence slogan
Copyright 2009 Rutland Institute for Ethics
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The Rutland Decision
Framework
Identify Issues and Stakeholders
Analyze the options using the Four Way
Test/Rutland Toolbox Approach
Justify the options based on convergence
Decide (and Act – sometimes the courageous task)
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Working the Process:
Situation - Safety
Manager tested DUI after
a non-injury traffic
accident for which he
was at fault
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Identify
Issue:
Must deal with Safety Manager being
proven DUI at the scene of an
accident he caused
Stakeholders:
Safety Manager
New VP (the boss)
Company
Other Employees
Customers
Community
His children
Shareholders
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Analyze
The options:
Take no action – it was after work
hours
Terminate because of breach in
judgment
Demote out of position with pay cut
What’s at stake and for whom?





Safety Manager’s employment and reputation
Custody of his children
VP’s reputation as a new executive
Reputation of the company safety program
Company’s reputation within community…
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Termination
No Action Demotion/Pay Cut
Justify
Goodwill
Better Friendships
Friendships
Consequences
Truth
Fair
Goodwill
Better
Deserved Treatment
Beneficial
Aspirations
Beneficial
Demote with pay cut
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11
Decide / Act
Remove the Safety Manager from the
position
Offer him the option to demote and
return to a technical field engineer
position (with six months to obtain
his recertification/license)
Process a corresponding $12,000+
reduction in pay
Copyright 2009 Rutland Institute for Ethics
Summary
Rotary’s Four Way Test
AND
Rutland Institute’s Ethics Toolbox Approach
are based on common underlying values.
Each provides multiple “lenses” through which
to confidently evaluate your actions and
justify, not rationalize, decisions.
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In Conclusion
Thank you, Herb Taylor, for the
Four Way Test.
Although not a code of ethics, it is a
simple guide, a navigational tool to help
us reach our destination – acting
rightly.
Tools for effective decision making are
invaluable.
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Copyright 2009 Rutland Institute for Ethics
Thank You!
QUESTIONS?
Linda Gallicchio
[email protected]
Rutland Institute for Ethics
www.clemson.edu.ethics
Copyright 2009 Rutland Institute for Ethics
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