The Internationalization Process of Brazilian Companies: a Study of Multiple Cases in the Heavy Construction Industry

Ano: 2009 | Volume: 6 | Número: 4

Autores: Flavia Luciane Scherer, Clandia Maffini Gomes, Isak Kruglianskas

Palavras-chave: internationalization process, consolidation, heavy construction

Resumo Inglês:

The aim of this article is to describe and to analyze how the consolidation in the international markets of
Brazilian construction companies occurred. The methodological procedures had been classified as descriptive
conclusive research and data was collected under a qualitative orientation. A study of four companies was
conducted: Andrade Gutierrez, Mendes Júnior, Norberto Odebrecht and Queiroz Galvão. A theoretical model
with four analytical levels was considered: the macro context, the institutional environment, the industry and the
firm. The results indicate that consolidation in international markets occurred largely as a result of factors
concerning strategic management in response to the institutional processes and the appropriateness of the
sector’s competitive conditions. In theoretical terms, this article makes progress when understanding
internationalization processes is concerned in that it proposes a model that integrates knowledge from the fields
of study of administration, organizations and international business. Although the model may be refined in future
research, we believe that it reflects an important step toward the development of a broad theoretical frame of
reference capable of covering the wealth and diversity that are typical of international activity.