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October is Vocational Service Month
In his autobiography, Paul Harris wrote “Each Rotarian is a
connecting link between the Idealism of Rotary and his trade or
profession”. Although he was not talking directly of vocational
service, he must have the second avenue of service in mind as
Rotary’s classification principle closely identifies a Rotarian with
his/her occupation or vocation.
The basic question concerning vocational service that every Rotarian
should ask is: “What can I do in my daily work to be a little more
helpful and friendly to others?” This is especially important since
vocational service should be a living and daily experience.
Founder Paul Harris had an idea that friendship and business could
be mixed and that by doing so would result in more business and
friendship for everyone involved. As such, every Rotarian should
personally contribute to society through his/her business or
profession.
They Profit Most Who Serve Best
It is now realised that “Vocational Service” is one of the many
reasons for Rotary’s success. Yet, this second avenue of service in
Rotary is often neglected. If we want our club to grow, we must keep
vocational service in the forefront -- in our planning and to take
action. Ideas alone are useless unless put in action. Do what is
right and put “Service Above Self”.
Vocational service simply applies Rotary’s concept of service to
business, the profession and the workplace. Before Rotarians go
about putting the principles of vocational service into practice,
they need to reflect on their daily relations, with employees,
suppliers and peers. Otherwise, how can they apply the words of the
second Object of Rotary, which instructs them to understand and
practice.
High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition
of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying by
each profession to serve society call upon each Rotarian to examine
what he/she is doing to fulfil this part of the Object of Rotary.
Since this is subjective, only the individual Rotarian knows how
loosely he/she is living up to his/her ideal. While the Rotarian is
encouraged to individually practice vocational service on his/her
own, many clubs have developed practical collective activities and
programmes designed to give each member more opportunities and
responsibilities in the second avenue of service.
The objectives of vocational service are best exemplified if
Rotarians work in accordance with the following guiding principles.
1. CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES
These four areas of responsibilities are generally recognised and
seen as an inseparable whole.
a)
To Shareholders and Principals
To protect shareholders’ and principals’ interests and provide a
fair and reasonable return.
b)
To Employees and Associates
To provide, promote and encourage:-
·
Good and safe conditions of work;
·
Good and competitive terms and conditions of service;
·
Physical and mental development and best use of human talent and
equal opportunity employment; and
·
The involvement of employees in the planning and direction of their
work
c)
To Customers and General Public
To develop and provide products and services which offer value in
terms of price, costs and quality, supported by the requisite
professional, technological and commercial expertise.
d)
To Community and Society
To conduct business as responsible members of the community and
society, observing applicable laws of the country and giving due
regard to safety and environmental standards and societal
aspirations.
2. ECONOMIC VIABILITY
Profitability and productivity are essential to discharging these
responsibilities and staying in business. It is a measure both of
efficiency and of the ultimate value that people place on one’s
products and services. Without profits and productivity, it would
not be possible to fulfil the responsibilities outlined above.
3. PERSONAL INTEGRITY
We must exercise honesty, loyalty and integrity in all aspects of
our business; avoiding conflicts of interest between our personal
and official activities in the conduct of our business. The offer,
payment, soliciting and acceptance of bribes in any form and any
unprofessional and unfair conduct are unacceptable practices.
4. WELFARE
It should be our policy to conduct our activities in such a way as
to take into account the health and safety of others, and to give
proper regard to the safety and conservation of the environment.
5. SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
The most important contribution that we can make to the social and
material progress of a country is in performing our basic activities
as efficiently as possible. In addition, we need to recognise and
take a constructive interest in societal matters which may not be
directly related to our business. We must endeavour to take
advantage of the opportunities available to be involved in community
educational and youth programmes.
Fellow Rotarians, the future of Rotary is now in our hands. |
A person joins Rotary as a representative of his/her
business or profession. Hence, each club member has an obligation to
his/her fellow Rotarians. At the same time, each Rotarian is
obligated to exemplify the spirit of Rotary to others, in particular
those associated with him/her. Vocational service emphasizes the
need for each Rotarian to personally fulfil his/her service in the
daily relationships with his/her fellow workers and associates.