Baden Aniline and Soda Factory (BASF): Setting our sights on the future

 The company Badische Anilin- und Soda-Fabrik (German for Baden Aniline and Soda Factory) create chemistry – and have been doing so for more than 150 years. Their portfolio oranges from chemicals, industrial solutions, performance materials, nutrition, and care as well as surface technologies to agricultural solutions. As the world’s leading chemical company, they combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, they enable their customers in every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. They have summed up this contribution in their corporate purpose: ‘We create chemistry for a sustainable future’. Every day, their employees work on developing innovative solutions for customers around the world. Their people’s passion, imagination, and determination are crucial to their success as a market leader. Although they employ over 114 000 people throughout the company, they dedicate themselves to supporting and empowering each individual in finding the right path to their success.

Questions: 

1. Explain the most important human resource initiatives on which BASF embarked to maintain and grow its brand. (25)
2. Performance management and compensation management in an organisation are inseparable Provide reasons why you agree or disagree with this statement. (25)
3. The Labour Relations Act provides that every employee has the right not to be unfairly Discuss this statement (Refer to section 185 of the LRA). (20)
4. The Constitution is probably the most important piece of legislation in South Africa, as it sets out the structure of the state. Discuss the role of the Constitution in the labour environment. (20)

Answers to Above Questions

Answer 1: An analysis of the case study of BASF indicates that there are several human resources initiatives undertaken by the company in order to maintain and grow its brand. The most significant human resource initiative is to provide sufficient autonomy to its employees in making decisions to satisfy its customers. The human resource initiative of diversity and inclusion is also maintained with the objective of achieving innovation in the products and services offered so that customers can be satisfied and this continues to be the success factor for the organisation in the long run. Other important human resource initiatives include …….