Management responsibility

The MC should be implementing the directives from the Board.

BernardH - IMHO the board member that said don't complain to the management company (MC) gave bad advice, and or is willing to take on much more than can be realistically handled by a volunteer member. Ideally a complaint should be in writing and can sent to the BOD Members c/o the MC.

The role of an MC varies from association to association, the powers and duties of which are contracted by the Board. The MC is an employee of the Board.

In literal answer to your question, some MCs stand for much of nothing other than to get paid. Some stand for a lot, like guiding an association Board and community through the many challenges that can be faced. Some common duties of an MC are to attend monthly meetings, prepare draft budgets, be signatories on bank accounts (I wouldn't recommend that, rather one or two Board members should be signatory), field and log complaints, inspect the property, solicit bids for work to be done, keep accurate records (accounting, minutes, amendments, cc&rs...), schedule work to be done on the association property.