Final answer:
Certified management accountants cannot plead ignorance as a defense for unethical behavior; this is true. They must adhere to a strict set of ethical guidelines and maintain constant awareness of these standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that certified management accountants cannot plead ignorance as a defense for unethical behavior is true. As professionals, certified management accountants are expected to adhere to a strict set of ethical standards as outlined by various professional bodies such as the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Their code of conduct requires accountants to engage in lifelong learning and to be informed about pertinent laws, regulations, and technical standards. Claiming ignorance does not absolve them from responsibility.
Violating ethical standards can lead to serious consequences including the revocation of certification. Therefore, it is critical for certified management accountants to maintain their professional competence and stay informed about the ethical guidelines governing their conduct to avoid unethical practices.