Vocational Service is the second avenue of service: no aspect of Rotary is more closely related to each member than a personal commitment to represent one's vocation or occupation to fellow Rotarians,
To exemplify the characteristics of high ethical standards and dignify work Vocational Service offers.
Programmes which seek to improve business relations and the quality of trades in industry, commerce and the professions.
Young persons career guidance, occupational information and help with vocational choices.
Opportunities to honour exemplary service by individuals working in their communities.
One of the most widely quoted statements of business ethics in the world is the Rotary "4-way test":
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 should be more widely promoted by Rotarians, It is the banner by which Rotarians "Recognise the worthiness of all useful occupations and demonstrate a commitment to high ethical standards in all businesses and professions: "That is why the second avenue of service is fundamental to every Rotary club and Rotarian".
Vocational Service is the way Rotary fosters and supports the application of the ideal of service in the pursuit of all vocations and Rotarians have the opportunity to apply their vocational talents to address the problems and needs of society. Inherent in the Vocational Service ideal is:
Adherence and promotion of highest ethical standards.
Fair treatment and fidelity to employers, employees and associates.
Fair treatment of competitors, the public and all those with whom one has any business or professional relationship.
Recognition of worthiness to society of all useful occupations.
Contribution of one's vocational talents to the problems and needs of society.
As the decades passed and societies and business ethics changed, the limitations of the 4-way test prompted the need for more specific guidelines on ethical standards. In 1989 the Rotary International council on legislation adopted "The Declaration of Rotarians In Business And Professions" to define the high ethical standards called for in the Rotary objectives:
As a Rotarian engaged in a business or profession, I am expected to:
Consider my vocation to be another opportunity to serve.
Be faithful to the letter and to the spirit of ethical codes of my vocation, to the laws of my country and to the moral standards of my community.
Do all in my power to dignify my vocation and to promote the highest ethical standards in my chosen vocation. . Be fair to my employer, employees, associates, competitors, customers, the public and all those with whom I have a business or professional relationship,
Recognise the honour and respect due to all occupations which are useful to society.
Offer my vocational talents to provide opportunities for young people, to work for the relief of the special needs of others and to improve the quality of life in my community.
Adhere to honesty in my advertising and all representations to the public concerning my business or profession.
Neither seek from nor grant to a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded others in a business or professional relationship.