Exploring Internationally Operated Construction Projects through the Critical Incident Technique

Abstract

The success of firms venturing into new construction markets overseas largely depends upon their managers’ and employees’ understanding of potential problems that can occur in unfamiliar project settings. The objective of this study was to explore the patterns that shape the experiences of practitioners during international construction projects, and to illustrate how these experiences can be compiled, coded, and utilized to improve the internal feedback mechanism based on this knowledge. The study analyzed data obtained from 32 interviews with experienced professionals in international construction projects. The data were collected utilizing the critical incident technique and classified through qualitative content analysis methods. Results revealed that critical incidents were primarily attributed to the lack of awareness of local conditions and flexibility toward local practices. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex nature of international construction projects and provide an example of how global construction and engineering consulting firms can compile, code, and utilize practitioner experiences.