Svenska företag och den kinesiska byggboomen : En analys av strategier och skillnader i affärskultur

A positive aspect of globalization, from a western viewpoint, is the growing demand of advanced products in China and other developing countries. The construction industry is thriving in China and Swedish companies have taken part in various projects. However the situation have been difficult for some of the companies. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate how strategic and cultural factors affect the potential for Swedish companies to operate on the Chinese construction market. The theoretical framework of the study consists of Porter’s and Kotler’s theories about strategy, and Hofstede’s, Bjerke’s, and Daun’s research about different cultures. From this theoretical framework a model about how strategic and cultural factors affect the potential of Swedish companies on the Chinese construction market, is constructed. Following companies have been studied: Skanska, Sweco, Ahlqvist & Almqvist arkitekt AB, and Arkitektkontoret Fråne Hederus Malmström. An important conclusion of this study is that Swedish firms on the Chinese construction market must operate within a specific niche and be experts in order to succeed. It is also important to employ Chinese personnel that both understand the language, the culture and the business