“We push the boundaries.”

That’s how Intel Corporation, the respected Silicon Valley computing giant, describes its role as an innovator and creator of value for shareholders, customers and society.

But pushing boundaries in another area — oversight of its $14.6 billion employee retirement plans — is bringing Intel unwanted scrutiny. Big bets on hedge funds and private equity in those plans drew a lawsuit late last month from a former employee, Christopher M. Sulyma. He contends that these investments have increased risks and costs in the retirement portfolios, hurting plan participants.

The lawsuit against Intel and members of its board who oversee the plan’s operation and investments is the latest in an increasingly successful line of actions brought against companies offering 401(k) plans to their workers. These cases have argued that the retirement plans were being run in a manner inconsistent with fiduciary requirements.

While each lawsuit against a 401(k) plan sponsor varies, most involve high and often hidden fees levied on participants.