Basetis: A Progressive Force in Technology and Consultancy

The RenDanHeYi model, developed by Haier Group CEO Zhang Ruimin in 2005, is revolutionary management philosophy aimed at transforming traditional hierarchical corporate structures into highly adaptive, customer-centric ecosystems. Rooted in the belief that employees (Ren) and their entrepreneurial capabilities should align with customer needs (Dan) to create value, the model emphasizes individual accountability and dynamic organizational roles (HeYi). By dismantling conventional silos, the RenDanHeYi model fosters a network of autonomous micro-enterprises within the larger corporate entity, transforming the organization into a nimble startup factory.

To develop and share the idea of Zero Distance and its broader management philosophy of RenDanHeYi, Haier hosts an annual forum to celebrate the world's most progressive organizations. This September marks the 8th edition of the forum, taking place in Haier’s hometown, Qingdao, on September 20. Working with the Business Ecosystem Alliance and the Management Lab, the Haier Model Institute will release the inaugural listing of the progressive companies which are putting Zero Distance and related ideas into practice.

These organizations are characterized by:

• Zero Distance to customer | Decision what to build is based on insights from the marketplace

• Autonomy | Small teams with full decision-making autonomy enable speed in execution

• Shared Rewards | Everyone in the micro-enterprise participates in its financial success

For the 2024 inaugural ZeroDX awards, Haier approached us to list 50 self-managed organizations that showcase the principles of RenDanHeYi in how they organise their work. Bassets is one of the 50 organisations we listed this year.

Introducing Basetis

Founded in 2009 by Marc Castells, Basetis is a dynamic technology and consultancy services company headquartered in Barcelona, Spain. With about 370 employees, Basetis specializes in offering comprehensive IT services, including software development, data and analytics, digital marketing, and IT infrastructure maintenance. The company's mission centers around delivering high-quality technological solutions while promoting social improvement and striving to create the best working environment. Basetis is committed to enhancing human dignity, sustainability, and democratic participation, reflecting its core values of trust, transparency, self-management, and the common good.

Basetis has incorporated RenDanHeYi principles seamlessly in its organizational design. By distributing authority it has enabled autonomy and decisions made as close to their impact as possible. In addition the company is nurturing innovation by providing resources for employees to experiment with new technologies and continuously upgrade its service offering.

Organizational Structure

Basetis operates using the Teal organizational model, inspired by Frederic Laloux's paradigm, which views organizations as living organisms capable of self-management, evolutionary purpose, and fostering wholeness. This model eliminates traditional hierarchical structures in favor of self-organized, autonomous teams. Decisions are made at the closest possible level to their impact, encouraging a high level of employee involvement and ownership. Employees are encouraged to participate voluntarily in transversal areas that align with their motivations and expertise, ensuring that actions and decisions are well-informed and broadly supported. This structure promotes a culture of continuous dialogue, advice-seeking, and purpose-driven work.

Zero Distance to Customers

Basetis places significant emphasis on customer centricity, aiming to provide services that closely align with client needs through agile methodologies and open communication. Employees working directly with clients are granted substantial autonomy to make decisions that enhance customer satisfaction. This approach ensures that feedback is promptly incorporated into service improvements, allowing for a highly responsive and tailored customer experience. Basetis' commitment to minimizing hierarchical barriers ensures that the company maintains "zero distance" between its teams and clients, fostering strong, trust-based relationships that drive successful outcomes.

Internal Culture and Employee Engagement

Basetis is committed to creating safe, inclusive workspaces and fostering respectful labor relations, promoting equality, non-discrimination, and protection against any form of workplace discrimination.

The internal culture at Basetis is rooted in well-being, transparency, and professional development. The company offers a flexible work environment, promoting remote work to support work-life balance and environmental sustainability. Basetis encourages continuous learning by covering 50% of the cost of training selected by employees, and it implements a "shadowing" program to help new hires integrate smoothly into the company. Employees at Basetis benefit from a transparent salary structure, with fixed and target salaries linked to the company's financial health and adhering to the Tinbergen Rule, which limits the ratio between the lowest and highest salaries to 1:7.5. This ensures economic fairness and social integration.

Additionally, Basetis promotes a culture of innovation, supporting employee-driven initiatives through internal collaborative projects known as "Experiences." These projects enable team members to explore new technologies and solutions, further enhancing their skills and the company's service offerings. The company also practices referral-based hiring to ensure that new team members align with its values and standards, fostering a cohesive and supportive environment where individuals are accepted fully, can thrive, and grow within Basetis.

Conclusion

Basetis exemplifies a progressive organization that integrates advanced technological solutions with a strong commitment to social responsibility and employee empowerment. Through its innovative organizational structure, customer-centric approach, and internal culture, Basetis leads as another example of RenDanHeYi management philosophy in the technology industry.