What do internal audits help determine about management processes?

Internal audits primarily assess whether management processes conform to documented requirements, which are part of the organization's quality management system as outlined by ISO 9001. This means that the audits verify if procedures, policies, and processes are being followed according to what is officially set out in the organization's documentation. This is crucial as it ensures that the organization is operating within its own standards and is able to identify any deviations that could impact quality and overall performance.

The focus on documented requirements is essential for maintaining consistency, effectiveness, and compliance within operations. It helps organizations ensure that processes are not only established but also followed as intended, thereby allowing for continual improvement.

While the other options mention important aspects of quality management and compliance, they do not align with the primary function of internal audits in the context of ISO 9001. For instance, meeting external standards is relevant, but internal audits specifically focus on internal documentation and processes rather than external criteria. Adhering solely to employee expectations and certification body standards may be part of the broader quality assurance framework, but they do not capture the primary goal of audits, which is to check conformity against documented organizational requirements.