Civil Engineering Consultants from Developing Countries: An Exploration of Malaysian Firms

Abstract

Studies on civil engineering consultants from developing nations making an impact overseas are lacking. Research was conducted to explore the internationalisation of Malaysian civil engineering consultants. The mixed method combining a postal questionnaire survey and interviews was adopted. The sampled firms varied in terms of age, size and legal status. They have serviced countries in Asia, the Middle East, Australasia, Africa, and North and Central America. Their overseas ventures were driven by diverse motives, the two most influential being top management decision and unexpected opportunities. Patronage from clients and consultants provided the main source of work. Adopted market presence modes for initial entry and subsequent presence phases ranged from low-cost low-risk piggybacking to high-cost high-risk sole venture companies. Political stability and law and order were the two most considered locational factors. They possessed an array of firm-specific and home-country specific competitive advantages which enabled them to make an impact overseas.