Ethics and accountability

Rotary has a long history of great work across the world. The material in this resource will help you to follow some simple guidelines when making decisions, conducting meetings and communicating with members and the community. 

1. Overview

Ethics commonly refers to the rules and principles that define right and wrong conduct of individuals (Foundations of management / Stephen P. Robbins, Rolf Bergman, Ian Stagg, Mary Coulter 2003, p.150). Rotary has guiding principles that are based on ethical behaviour.

These principles have been developed over the years to provide Rotarians with a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world.

Object of Rotary

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a 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.

Our Mission

The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. 

Adapted from Rotary Club of Engadine accessed 22 April 2020. My Rotary Guiding principles.