Professional Conduct in Digital Spaces
Legal Requirements Under the Real Estate Act Rules
The Real Estate Act Rules establish that condominium managers must act professionally and ethically at all times, including in online spaces. Specifically, the rules require:
Professional Conduct: Managers must not engage in online activity that could damage the industry’s reputation.
Accuracy and Integrity: Any information shared online must be truthful and not misleading.
Confidentiality: Client and condominium board information must not be shared in public forums or social media.
No Defamation: Managers must not post or share content that could harm the reputation of individuals, boards, or the industry.
Risks of Unprofessional Social Media Use
Potential Consequences of Inappropriate Digital Conduct
Condominium managers represent both their brokerage and the condominium corporations they serve. Unprofessional online behavior can lead to:
Legal Liability: Defamatory comments or unauthorized disclosure of information could result in legal action.
Loss of Employment: Brokerages or boards may terminate contracts if a manager's online activity is deemed inappropriate.
Regulatory Penalties: Regulatory bodies can take disciplinary action against managers who breach professional standards.
Examples of Risky Online Behavior
Posting negative or defamatory comments about board members, owners, or service providers.
Engaging in online arguments in public forums, damaging the corporation’s reputation.
Sharing confidential information about condominium operations or finances.
Making misleading claims about services, fees, or management capabilities.
Identifying and Correcting Unprofessional Digital Conduct
Recognizing Unprofessional Online Behavior
Managers must assess whether their online activity is appropriate by considering:
Would this post be acceptable in a professional meeting?
Does this comment align with industry ethical standards?
Could this information be considered confidential or misleading?
How to Correct Inappropriate Online Conduct
If a post is inappropriate, remove it immediately and, if necessary, issue a clarification.
If misinformation was shared, correct it publicly to ensure accurate information is available.
If a board or brokerage expresses concerns, address them professionally and take corrective action.
Best Practices for Professional Digital Engagement
Engaging Appropriately with Owners and Boards Online
To maintain professionalism in digital spaces, managers should:
Use professional language in all written communications, including emails and social media.
Respond to online inquiries politely, even when dealing with complaints.
Ensure all electronic communications comply with privacy and anti-spam laws.
Keep personal and professional accounts separate to avoid conflicts.
