Identifying the Components of an Internationalization Model Based on a Networking Approach: A Study of Knowledge-Based Companies in the Construction Industry

Hojatollah Azizi; Mahmoud Mohammadi; Jamshid Edalatian Shahriari

Authors

Hojatollah Azizi Department of Business Management, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2965-5641
Mahmoud Mohammadi Department of Industrial Management, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5064-4419
Jamshid Edalatian Shahriari Department of Business Management, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1285-8034

Keywords:

Internationalization, Networking, Knowledge, Based Companies, Construction Industry, Grounded Theory, Strategic Partnerships, Interorganizational Networks

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and develop a paradigmatic model of network-based internationalization for knowledge-based companies operating in the construction industry. This qualitative exploratory study was conducted using the systematic grounded theory approach of Strauss and Corbin. The participants consisted of university experts in internationalization, networking, entrepreneurship, project management, and related fields, as well as senior managers and experienced professionals from leading construction and civil engineering companies with international activity. Participants were selected through purposive, snowball, and theoretical sampling. Data were collected through 25 in-depth semi-structured interviews, at which point theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were analyzed concurrently with data collection using open, axial, and selective coding. MAXQDA was used to organize and manage the qualitative data. Coding dependability was supported by a 30-day recoding procedure, which yielded 89.96% agreement, and inter-coder assessment, which produced 90.91% agreement. The analysis generated 170 open codes, which were integrated into 70 initial concepts and 15 axial categories. The central phenomenon was identified as network-based internationalization in knowledge-based construction companies. The causal conditions consisted of networking for foreign-market entry and networking for strategic partner and consortium selection. Contextual conditions included institutional networking and target-market knowledge and international supply-chain networking. Intervening conditions comprised relational capital and network legitimacy, risk management and project governance, standardization and regulatory legitimacy, operational coordination, and legal and contractual networking. The principal strategies included knowledge transfer and technological learning, technology development and commercialization, interorganizational innovation, international financing, and inter-project knowledge management. The resulting outcomes included stronger project governance, accumulated reputation and relational capital, technology co-creation, improved knowledge absorption and localization, continuous organizational learning, and reduced contractual conflict. Internationalization of knowledge-based construction companies is a cumulative and network-dependent process in which foreign-market access, technological learning, legitimacy, financing, supply integration, and project execution are developed through coordinated interorganizational relationships. Effective network governance can transform project-specific cooperation into sustainable international capabilities and competitive advantage.

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