Assessing ISO 14001:2015 implementation in Jordanian industry: an exploratory factor analysis of sustainability performance dimensions

Purpose This study examines how ISO 14001:2015 implementation shapes environmental, economic, and social performance in Jordan's industrial sector. It maps these hierarchical impacts to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and extends theoretical frameworks, namely the natural resource-based view and institutional theory, in a resource-constrained, developing-economy context. Design/methodology/approach A stratified random sample of 50 ISO 14001:2015-certified organizations across manufacturing, services, and construction sectors completed a 29-indicator questionnaire. Data were subjected to exploratory factor analysis to identify the latent dimensions of sustainability performance. Findings Exploratory factor analysis revealed three latent dimensions. Environmental performance emerged as the dominant dimension, driven primarily by circular economy practices including increased reuse and recycling and waste reduction, followed by energy efficiency improvements. Economic performance constituted the second dimension, anchored in direct and indirect cost efficiencies with modest revenue-enhancement effects. Social and organizational benefits formed the third dimension, centered on occupational health and safety and employee engagement. This hierarchy demonstrates a context-specific prioritization reflecting Jordan's resource constraints and energy import dependence. Practical implications Industrial practitioners should prioritize waste management and energy efficiency initiatives, supplemented by targeted employee engagement programs to generate salient environmental benefits and measurable economic savings. Policymakers can amplify ISO 1401's impact through performance-based incentives aligned with national SDG targets, particularly SDG 12.5 (waste reduction), SDG 7.3 (energy efficiency), and SDG 8.8 (labor protections). Originality/value This is the first empirically validated hierarchy of ISO 14001:2015 impacts in Jordan, extending the natural resource-based view and institutional theory in a developing economy context. The findings demonstrate that pollution prevention capabilities dominate in resource-scarce settings, product stewardship remains underdeveloped due to weak regulatory enforcement, and sustainable development capacities emphasize internal workforce welfare. The study provides context-specific insights for researchers and decision-makers in developing economies seeking to leverage environmental management systems for sustainable development.