Internationalization of Malaysian quantity surveying firms: exploring the best fit models

Abstract

The internationalization of services has been largely under‐researched, more so in respect of developing countries. In light of this, the various models on firm internationalization were tested to determine which of them best fits the internationalization of Malaysian quantity surveying (QS) firms. The models were a combination of the old and more recent. In doing so, the ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘how’, ‘which’ and ‘why’ of the subject matter were addressed. Data were collected using the mixed method, combining a postal questionnaire survey, follow‐up interviews and secondary data. The findings point to certain models (i.e. liability of foreignness concept, network theory, internalization theory and international entrepreneurship) having a good fit with the subject matter in comparison to others (i.e. resource‐based theory, eclectic paradigm, stage growth theory and ‘born global’). Based on the findings and in view of Malaysia’s impending liberalization of services by 2012, certain recommendations are made for those firms that are still insular in orientation, notably the necessity for top management to have the internationalization drive and business networks they should leverage on. Malaysia’s export promotion agencies must also have targeted efforts to increase the export of QS services.