38. An owner gives a property manager instructions that could result in hardship or loss to the owner. The property manager should
Answer: D
The property manager should inform the principal of possible harm.
In situations where instructions from the owner could lead to hardship or loss, the property manager has a responsibility to communicate the potential risks to the owner.
A) simply ignore the instructions.
Ignoring the owner's instructions is not a viable option as it may lead to further complications or misunderstandings. The property manager is obligated to act in the best interest of the owner, which involves addressing any harmful directives rather than dismissing them.
B) follow the instructions without question.
Following the owner's instructions without question could result in significant negative consequences for the owner. The property manager should evaluate the implications of such instructions and ensure that the owner is aware of any risks involved.
C) automatically terminate employment.
Automatically terminating employment is an extreme measure that does not address the core issue of potential harm caused by the owner's instructions. Instead of severing ties, the property manager should first communicate concerns to the owner, fostering a more constructive dialogue.
D) inform the principal of possible harm.
Informing the principal of possible harm is the appropriate course of action. This response allows the property manager to fulfill their duty to act in the owner's best interest while ensuring that the owner is aware of any potential negative outcomes from their instructions.
Conclusion
The correct answer, informing the principal of possible harm, is essential in protecting the owner's interests and preventing potential losses. All other options fail to adequately address the responsibilities of the property manager to communicate risks and advocate for the owner’s welfare. Therefore, option D is the most responsible and ethically sound choice.