Ethics and Professional Conduct Flashcards

Which action best demonstrates a CMCA's commitment to continuing professional competence as required by the CAMICB Code of Ethics?

Answer: Completing required continuing education and staying current on laws affecting community associations

The CAMICB Code of Ethics requires CMCA designees to maintain and improve professional competence through continuing education and staying informed about relevant legal and industry changes.

A board member asks the manager to destroy emails related to a homeowner's pending lawsuit against the association. What must the manager do?

Answer: Refuse and advise the board that destroying litigation-related records may constitute obstruction

Destroying records relevant to pending litigation is potentially illegal spoliation of evidence; the ethical manager must refuse and inform the board of the legal risk immediately.

How should a CMCA handle a situation where two board members have a heated personal dispute that is disrupting meetings and decision-making?

Answer: Remain neutral, facilitate professional conduct, and recommend mediation or parliamentary procedure if needed

The ethical manager must remain neutral in board member disputes and facilitate orderly, professional meetings while recommending appropriate dispute resolution mechanisms.

A CMCA is approached by a local journalist asking about an ongoing enforcement action against a homeowner. What is the appropriate response?

Answer: Decline to comment on individual enforcement matters and refer the inquiry to the board president or legal counsel

Individual enforcement actions involve confidential owner information; the ethical manager should decline to discuss specifics and direct media inquiries to authorized representatives.

What is the ethical implication of a manager signing contracts on behalf of the association without board authorization?

Answer: It violates the manager's authority and the board's fiduciary duty to control association commitments

Signing contracts without board authorization exceeds the manager's delegated authority and undermines the board's fiduciary responsibility to approve significant association commitments.

A CMCA suspects that a fellow manager at the same firm is mishandling client funds. What ethical obligation does this trigger?

Answer: An obligation to report the concern through appropriate internal or regulatory channels

Professional ethics require reporting suspected misconduct by colleagues through appropriate channels—such as firm management, the CAMICB ethics process, or relevant authorities—to protect clients and the profession.

Which of the following situations represents a clear violation of the CMCA's duty of confidentiality?

Answer: Discussing a homeowner's unpaid dues balance at an open community social event

Discussing an individual owner's delinquency at a social event publicly discloses confidential financial information without authorization, violating the duty of confidentiality.