How Does the Institutional Environment Matter to International Contractors in a Period of Turbulence and Transformation? A Review

International contractors are frequently confronted with complex operating environments, particularly during a period of turbulence and transformation. The institutional environment of the host country is one crucial factor that can significantly affect international contractors to operate efficiently. The complexity of social systems contributes to the uncertainty surrounding the institutional environment in which they operate. Thus, this research selects literature from Web of Science database for nearly 15 years, and analyzes all literature with the help of document visualization software VOSviewer aiming to examine the impacts of host country institutional environment on international contractors by way of a thorough, systematic literature review. The results show that the institutional environment of the host country exerts a profound influence on international contractors, and the impacts of the institutional environments in international construction exist in a multi-faceted context. Against this backdrop, this study aims to assess the effects of host country institutional environments on international contractors in these three areas, within the context of complex and turbulent environments. The analysis provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing international contractors seeking to navigate and succeed in uncertain institutional environments.