In agency CM, which statement best describes the CM's fiduciary responsibility?

In agency CM, which statement best describes the CM's fiduciary responsibility?

• A. It Requires Acting in the Owner's Best Interests at All Times
• B. It Requires Prioritizing the CM's Profits
• C. It Requires Always Resolving Disputes in Favor of the Contractor
• D. It Requires Minimizing Communications With the Owner

Answer: (A)

In agency CM, the main duty is that the construction manager acts as the owner’s fiduciary—loyal, diligent, and honest—putting the owner’s interests first at all times. This means giving unbiased, well‑founded advice, safeguarding the owner’s funds and schedule, disclosing any conflicts of interest, and making decisions that advance the owner’s objectives, even if that isn’t the most profitable path for the CM. That’s why acting in the owner’s best interests at all times is the best description of the CM’s fiduciary responsibility. The other options conflict with this obligation: prioritizing the CM’s profits introduces a conflict of interest; always resolving disputes in favor of the contractor shows bias against the owner; and minimizing communications with the owner undermines transparency and the oversight that fiduciary duties require.

In agency CM, the main duty is that the construction manager acts as the owner’s fiduciary—loyal, diligent, and honest—putting the owner’s interests first at all times. This means giving unbiased, well‑founded advice, safeguarding the owner’s funds and schedule, disclosing any conflicts of interest, and making decisions that advance the owner’s objectives, even if that isn’t the most profitable path for the CM. That’s why acting in the owner’s best interests at all times is the best description of the CM’s fiduciary responsibility. The other options conflict with this obligation: prioritizing the CM’s profits introduces a conflict of interest; always resolving disputes in favor of the contractor shows bias against the owner; and minimizing communications with the owner undermines transparency and the oversight that fiduciary duties require.