Institutionalizing international internships in business education: an action research approach to overcoming barriers and driving systemic change in Norwegian business schools

This paper investigates the institutionalization of international internships in business education through action research (AR), addressing the scarcity of research on overcoming institutional barriers and driving systemic change. Using AR at the meso-level in two Norwegian business schools, we investigate challenges and processes involved in incorporating international internships into curricula. Our multiple-case study explores contrasting experiences, organizational structures, and institutional practices within Norway’s context. We reveal the interconnectedness of regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive institutional pillars in institutionalizing international internships through meso-level AR, proposing a theoretical model emphasizing internationalization strategy drivers, practices of education and engagement, and organizational dynamics. Practical implications include fostering a culture of global competence development, promoting active learning and innovative pedagogy, and encouraging shared responsibility for internationalization among academic and administrative staff. We emphasize the need for continuous reassessment and adaptation of institutional processes and strategies to align with evolving demands and best practices.