Purpose. To assess the role of subjective relevance within management standards, employing first- and second-order confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). To analyze the integration of diverse metrics from sustainability reports to gauge a company’s environmental impact alongside the evolving significance of organizational longevity as a measure of success in the business domain. To establish the efficacy of implementing management standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 in the process of pursuing sustainability objectives.

Methodology. Quantitative research methods were employed, utilizing tools and techniques, including SPSS Statistics and Amos software for data analysis. Statistical data from Bangladesh’s RMG (Ready-Made Garments) industry was processed to conduct CFA. A survey questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of 603 residents in Gazipur, Bangladesh. The CFA analysis evaluated absolute and incremental fits, validating subjective management system norms through first- and second-order internal and external environment satisfaction analyses.

Findings. The findings indicate that organizations implementing management standards like ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 demonstrate greater efficiency in pursuing sustainability goals than those without such standards. As confirmed by the CFA analyses, integrating subjective relevance within these standards validates their role in addressing internal and external environmental concerns. Furthermore, the study underscores the evolving landscape of success indicators in the business realm, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and longevity metrics alongside traditional economic measures.

Originality. This study is among the first to utilize first- and second-order CFA to evaluate MSS criteria in the Bangladeshi RMG business, filling a void in empirical research on sustainability outcomes in developing markets.

Practical value. The results add to the increasing body of research on management criteria, showing that operational efficiencies and environmental benefits result from subjective norms coupled with ISO and OHSAS standards.