3 minute read
AVOIDING THE SLIPPERY SLOPE
A refresher on ethical standards for CCAM managers
One recertification requirement for Certified Community Association Managers (CCAMs) in California is taking an ethics course every three years. Why? The answer is simple - to uphold and enhance the integrity of those in this profession. Let's face it: the average manager assists boards of directors with managing millions of dollars of property assets. This is a huge task and a huge responsibility.
Maintaining our ethical standards, as outlined in CACM’s Code of Professional Ethics, guides community managers in conducting business.
Having been in your shoes for many years, I know how busy a manager’s life can be. In fact, we are sometimes so busy that we don’t slow down long enough to accurately evaluate whether a situation that arises and our response to that situation is really in line with CACM’s Code of Professional Ethics. I can assure you that the last thing CACM wants is to receive a written complaint about a certified manager.
With that said, I want to remind everyone of one particular section of the Code of Ethics – Section 6.0 –Gratuities. For the record, Section 6.01.2 states the following: “The acceptance of any gratuity by gift certificate, or in kind, including but not limited to meals, entertainment, housing, transportation, professional services or, of any other nature, having a cumulative value in excess of three hundred dollars ($300) from any one person or business in any twelve (12) month period shall be fully disclosed to all clients which have procured services from the providing person or business and to all clients who contemplate the procurement of such services.”
Section 6.01.3 goes on to say, “Under no circumstances shall a member or employee of any member solicit any gratuity, in case or in kind, on their own behalf or on behalf of another member(s) or employee(s), regardless of value or type from any one person or business.”
So, what does this all mean?
In simple terms, managers cannot accept items, gifts, trips, or even educational sponsorships that total more than $300 in 12 months from the same vendor. If you do, then you need to disclose it. Likewise, managers should never ask vendors to pay or gift them anything. Period.
Why so strict? The intent is to prevent managers from going down slippery slopes, which can compromise your integrity and certification.
You may ask about winning raffle prizes at CACM events, such as the Law Seminar. This is perfectly acceptable as long as the member can reasonably determine there is no undue influence of the member by accepting the item from a random drawing.
Likewise, managers who would like to attend educational events or courses can contact CACM to ascertain the availability of scholarship funds. Many industry partners generously support manager education and, in doing so, provide the avenue for CACM to award scholarships using an application system. If you want more information on how the program works, simply email education@cacm.org.
The CACM Code of Professional Ethics can be found on our website at www.cacm.org. It is a great tool to use if you ever find yourself in an ethical dilemma and need help figuring out how to go. It is a guide to help navigate through the troubled waters of community management. Use it and rely on it. It is there to keep you off the slippery slope.
