By Dennis Wong, Co-Founder of the Rotarian Action Group for Peace and member of the E-Club of World Peace
Imagine yourself addressing conflicts through the lenses of fellowship, empathy, accountability and trust. That is the Four-Way Test. Imagine the power four questions and twenty-four words can have to help resolve conflicts without violence and fulfill our Rotary peace mission.
The Four-Way Test is Rotary’s unique approach and process to address conflicts, solve problems and make decisions to achieve desired outcomes. It can help us be more successful in reaching mutually beneficial, sustainable and scalable solutions.
The Four-Way Test has been a go-to for Rotary members when they have found themselves in difficult situations. With the Rotarian Code of Conduct, it is an ethical and effective guide for Rotary members to use for their personal and professional relationships. Furthermore, the concepts of conflict transformation embrace many of the Rotary principles. The Test is about fellowship, empathy, accountability and trust.
Conflict transformation is the process to transform conflict into constructive change without violence. It differs from conflict resolution and conflict management approaches by recognizing “contemporary conflicts require more than the reframing of positions and identification of win-win outcomes. The very structure of parties and relationships may be embedded in a pattern of conflictual relationships that extend beyond the particular site of conflict. Conflict transformation is a process of engaging with and transforming the relationships, interests, discourses and, if necessary, the very constitution of society that supports the continuation of violent conflict.” *
The Four-Way Test is not a rigid process. Be creative and consider flipping the order of the four questions. Below are ideas for using The Four-Way Test and conflict transformation concepts for constructive change without violence.
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? FELLOWSHIP. Rotarians are known for being sociable and building relationships. Ensure the process is civil and there’s a feeling of respect and openness to ask questions that can lead to creative and innovative solutions. Discuss and agree on desired outcomes.
- Will it BENEFICIAL to all concerned? EMPATHY. Have an open mind and a curiosity for new ideas, novel applications and different point-of views. Consider many options and build on different ideas. Come to mutually beneficial solutions that are sustainable and scalable.
- Is it FAIR to all concerned? ACCOUNTABILITY. Keep in mind both the Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule. Identify and include all interested and affected parties. Try to understand the other point-of-views in the context of conflict and reaching shared goals.
- Is it the TRUTH? TRUST. From the Rotarian Code of Conduct, act with integrity and high ethical standards. Acknowledge and define the problem including the root causes. Collect information and apply critical thinking by asking questions to identify the difference between facts, beliefs, assumptions and opinions. Moreover, be a trusted problem solver.
The Four-Way Test is an adaptive process. It takes into account everyone’s’ point-of-view and concerns, as well as their needs and wants. The process is designed to build goodwill and earn trust so a particular end result is mutually beneficial, sustainable and has scalable outcomes.
I encourage you to consider using The Four-Way Test to address conflicts or work towards conflict transformation in your community. Please contact me for more information, as well as your comments.
*Hugh Miall, Conflict Transformation: A Multi-Dimensional Task
Service in Action 
Rotary international bright and build future organization of people’s of community development,,rotary international one platform in the world,to make and support local community development and provided all benefit,poor families and communities
Yes, I agree. Our core principles – The Four-Way Test and Rotarian Code of Conduct – provides Rotary and Rotarians with the agency to help those with special needs and to improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world.
Eye opening and useful approach.
Thank You for your comments.
Yes, the Four-Way Test is a useful approach that is flexible and adaptable depending on the participants and situation. In all case the stronger the fellowship and trust, the better the odds for solutions beneficial to all concerned.
This article is thought provoking and sensible. I am a PhD student and my topic is the 21st century service club. I have been looking at ways to make Rotary relevant to younger generations and this is exactly the refreshing approach, flexible and adaptable, which will be helpful in doing that
Great topic
I would love to know your hypothesis and your outcomes. I am currently a District Governor Elect of Rotary in Sydney Australia
I can be reached on janicehall@fastmail.com.au
Hello Gil, did you know I retired June 30?
Would be very interested to know if you finished your project and read a copy.
As most clubs we are struggling to get and keep members – just lost 3 couples, 2 moved south and 1 due to ill health!!!
But on a positive note had 2 past members rejoin.
Hope you’re well, as we are
Jenny Peters
One needs to build a relationship with the other person prior to discussing a possible controversial topic. The first three questions do this with empathy, accountability and I would also add respect. Then when you know each other, you can have a pleasant discussion on “Is it the Truth”?
Great! I would like to know how to apply this when opening an online store.
Amedu.
The Four-Way Test can be used for solve problems.
Here’s a business adage… A business is one that solves customer problems profitably..
Thus … will your online store provide the products and services beneficial to all concerned, that is your customer and you?
For retention and word of mouth … consider how you might build goodwill and better friendships.
All the best in your business venture.
This is a very good article and it underscores the importance of the 4-Way Test as an ethical guide. I am concerned about the fact that clubs are adding to the 4-Way Test, with things like “is it fun” or “is it sustainable”? I think these additions dilute the power of the 4-Way Test, which when practiced does not always require “fun” or “sustainability.” These additions are useful when considering fellowship or investments in projects, but I do not think they constitute an ethical basis for thoughts, words, and actions.