Talking Taboo Nominated for International Book Award 2022 in the 'Learning Impact' Category

Alexandria, Va.—The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) announced that Talking Taboo: Making the Most of Polarizing Discussions at Work (SHRM, 2022, ISBN: 9781586445980) was nominated for the getAbstract International Book Award 2022. The book, written by SHRM Chief Knowledge Officer Alex Alonso, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, was recognized in the "Learning Impact" category.

In Talking Taboo, Alonso utilizes extensive findings from a 2020 SHRM survey of politics and polarizing discussions in the workplace to examine the subject of uncomfortable speech in the workplace. His book explores the case for minimizing specific topics in the workplace, how HR can serve as a mediator in situations when issues arise and how diverse opinions can embolden an organization's mission. Based on SHRM research, 92 percent of workers have witnessed or been a part of taboo conversations in the workplace. Talking Taboo offers real-world examples of respecting contesting views while maintaining a strong sense of community in the workplace.

Talking Taboo is available as an e-book via major book retailers. The paperback edition was released in early June 2022. All author proceeds benefit the SHRM Foundation, which is committed to empowering HR as a social force for change. Learn more about Talking Taboo.

About the Author
Alexander Alonso, PhD, SHRM-SCP, is SHRM's chief knowledge officer leading intelligence, insights and innovation functions, as well as SHRM's latest acquisitions, CEO Academy and Linkage. As the leader of SHRM Research, his total career portfolio has been based upon practical thought leadership designed to make better workplaces and to grow revenue across industries. Alonso is an inaugural member of SHRM's Blue Ribbon Commission on Racial Equity and he has held more than 400 speaking engagements over the last decade.

His works have been recognized for their contributions to discussions of real-world human capital issues. They include being recognized with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology's (SIOP's) 2007 M. Scott Myers Award for Applied Research in the Workplace for developing the federal standard for the learning and development of health care providers, a 2009 Presidential Citation for Innovative Practice by the American Psychological Association for designing performance management systems and the 2013 SIOP Distinguished Early Career Contributions for Practice Award for extensive applied research on the link between human resource management and organizational sustainability.  

His other published books include The Price of Pettiness: Bad Behavior in the Workplace and How to Stomp It Out and Defining HR Success: A Guide to the SHRM Competency Model in Practice. Alonso also serves as a columnist analyzing major trends in the workforce for TIP and HR Magazine. He has served on several professional society boards, including as president of the Personnel Testing Council of Metropolitan Washington Area. Alonso currently serves on the Secretary of Defense's Defense Business Board, the North American HR Management Association board and the Zeal Capital Advisory board.

Learn more about the getAbstract International Book award

About SHRM

SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today's evolving workplaces. More than 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies rely on SHRM to be their go-to resource for all things work and their business partner in creating next-generation workplaces. With 300,000+ HR and business executive members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally. Learn more at SHRM.org and on Twitter @SHRM.