To fully grasp the idea of what we mean by “Vocational Service” first we need to both know and understand “The Object of Rotary”.
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of SERVICE as the basis of worthy enterprise, and in particular, to encourage and foster:
First: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for SERVICE;
Second: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to SERVE society;
Third: The application of the ideal of SERVICE in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
Fourth: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional
persons united in the ideal of SERVICE.
The Object of Rotary is a philosophical statement of Rotary’s purpose and the responsibilities of Rotarians. The concept of vocational service is rooted in the second object, which calls on Rotarians to encourage and foster:
- High ethical standards in business and professions
- The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations
- The dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society
INTEGRITY AND ETHICS
Rotary emphasizes integrity and high ethical standards. Two standards developed by Rotarians — The Four-Way Test and the Rotarian Code of
Conduct — provide a road map for ethical behavior in the workplace and other areas of life.
THE HISTORY OF THE FOUR-WAY TEST
The Four-Way Test was conceived in 1932 by businessman Herbert J. Taylor, a member of the Rotary Club of Chicago, Illinois, USA, who
served as Rotary International president in 1954-55. Having taken on the task of saving a company from bankruptcy, Taylor developed the test as an ethical guide to follow in all business matters. The company’s survival was credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary International in 1934, The Four-Way Test remains an essential standard against which Rotarians measure ethical behavior.
ROTARIAN CODE OF CONDUCT (Read More)
The Rotarian Code of Conduct provides a framework for ethical behavior that all Rotarians can use, together with The Four-Way Test, in their business and professional activities. As part of Rotary’s guiding principles and the Avenues of Service, Vocational Service calls on Rotarians to empower others by using their unique skills and expertise to address community needs and help others discover new professional opportunities and interests.
SKILLS OR OCCUPATIONS
By including men and women from diverse professions and backgrounds, Rotary recognizes the importance of all skills and occupations. A vibrant Rotary club reflects the businesses, organizations, and professions in its community, embracing diversity in experiences and perspectives. Your professional life and vocational service go together. Rotarians have a dual responsibility: to represent their occupations within their club and to exemplify the ideals of Rotary in their places of work.
ADVANCING HIGH ETHICAL STANDARDS
IN THE WORKPLACE
As leaders in their businesses and professions, Rotarians can advance
high ethical standards by setting a positive example among colleagues
and in their community. Here are a few specific ways Rotarians
integrate ethics into their daily work life:
- Discuss and emphasize honesty, accountability, fairness, integrity, and respect when hiring, training, and supervising employees
- Praise and encourage the exemplary behavior of colleagues
- Demonstrate personal commitment to high ethical standards in relations with customers, vendors, and business associates, treating each business interaction with care and consideration
- Promote socially and environmentally responsible practices in your businesses and organizations