Internationalization of construction firms: what strategy do they follow?

Abstract

Globalization of markets and economic changes force companies to respond adequately and expand their activities abroad. The paper aims to adopt different approaches, developed in internationalization theory, and to present a conceptual framework focused on business internationalization strategy. The interrelations of strategic goals, organizational competencies and competitive advantage are investigated. The qualitative research method was applied and in depth interviews with the managers of construction companies were performed. The obtained results of research revealed that cooperation strategies involving customers, suppliers and competitors are seen as the main precondition for internationalization of companies. The success of cooperation strategies is based on obtained human resources, technical and management skills of companies. The author of research has elaborated proposals, which are useful for further internationalization of business. The presented paper provides new insights into the scientific theory development.