A broker-in-charge believes that providing a handbook of company policies constitutes adequate training, as every associated licensee has had the required pre-license education in real estate, and all are operating as independent contractors. An associated licensee commits a fraud, but claims to not understand the situation due to lack of training, and blames the broker-in-charge. The broker-in-charge argues that it was the associate's responsibility to ask for the broker's help if the associate was unsure about correct procedure. In this case, the

While it is true that the broker has a responsibility to provide adequate training, this option overlooks the associate's own duty to seek clarification when uncertain. Accountability must be shared, as the associate's failure to ask for help contributed to the fraud, making it inappropriate to solely discipline the broker.

This choice inaccurately assumes that the broker has no obligation to train independent contractors. Even when agents are independent contractors, brokers are still responsible for ensuring that their agents understand legal and ethical standards, making it unlikely that the broker could completely avoid disciplinary action.

While the associate is indeed responsible for not asking for help, this option fails to acknowledge the broker's role in providing necessary training and oversight. Holding the associate solely accountable neglects the shared responsibility that exists between them.