White papers are a key aspect in the academic and corporate world in these times which rely on content. Although they are both called white papers, academic vs corporate white papers vary in the purposes they have, different structure that they follow and different audiences to which they are delivered. It is crucial to know the difference between them in case a person is engaged in the creation or distribution of the documents or their consumption. When embarking on the development of a research-based white paper of an academic institution, or a business white paper example of a corporation it is imperative to understand these differences that will enable you to align the process to the demands of each audience.
Here in this blog, we will briefly discuss the five important differences between the academic white papers with the corporate white papers in terms of purpose, style, audience and the major structural differences between them. At the end of the book, you will be at ease on how to create each of these types.
Purpose: The Foundation of Differences
The main difference between corporate white papers and academic white papers is a purpose.
Academic White Papers
A white paper with an intellectual structure is usually concerned with the presentation of an authoritative study subject. Such papers are usually products of years of research and analysis with the intent to present new knowledge to a particular field of study. An academic white paper aims to educate, convince and in certain occasions provide the basis of a theoretical future research. White papers are typically applied in academia to publish the results of an important study, suggest a theory, or include an overview of existing academic research within a certain field. They are usually more abstract and general.
Corporate White Papers
Conversely, a business white paper sample has a more business-related application. The corporate white papers are normally used to suggest a solution to a given business issue, show how the company is competent in addressing that issue or present a new good or service. These papers become part of the corporate communication strategies and they affect the decision processes, inform clients or prospects, and give an idea of the trends in the industry. Corporate white papers are more likely to describe solutions or present the products or services of the company on a competitive market unlike academic white papers.
Style and Tone: Scholarly vs. Professional
The other major distinction between academic and corporate white papers is the tone and manner of writing.
Academic White Papers
Academic writing demands the use of the formal tone of the text. The main issue when it comes to academic writing is academic citation vs. marketing content. Scholarly white notes are formal and structured, and the style of the language is unemotional, objective. In an academic white paper, citations are very important because arguments are supported using evidence of reputable sources. The voice is academic and critical, which guarantees that all the arguments would be backed by research or statistics.
Corporate White Papers
Conversely, the tone of corporate white papers is more open, even in a professional context. Although one should keep the writing clear and concise and formal, it usually has a persuasive character intended to convince rather than to provide information. In these papers corporate communication methods are more about being clear and to the point, usually with the focus being on solving problems or displaying the knowledge of a company. There is more emphasis on entertaining the viewers and offering business solutions as opposed to adding new knowledge to a field.
Corporate white papers do not tend to cite like they would in academia, painstakingly conforming to an accepted style like APA or MLA; they tend instead to cite with links, case histories, and product demos, without a lot of footnoting or Bibliographies.
Audience: Different Readers, Different Needs
It is also important to determine the audience to whom an academic paper will or will not be directed when compared to business papers.
Academic White Papers
An academic white paper is usually read by other scholars and researchers as well as students in a particular discipline. Such individuals seek critical analysis, information-based discourse and theoretical consideration of an issue. To take an example, a scholar drafting a white paper on climate change may conduct a literature review on what the latest scientific research shows and establish a fact-based discussion on contributing to advance the knowledge of environmental impact.
Corporate White Papers
Corporate white papers typically target business people such as managers, executives and prospective clients. The intention is to offer a solution to a problem, offer some insight into the industry trends or position the company as an expert in a certain field. The papers can be fashioned with an eye towards utilization and tend to be used to sway a decision or used to back a business white paper example that is directed towards the establishment of a product or service. The writing style does not have to be academically rigorous, but the information is technical and solutions-driven, supported with data and case studies, as well.
Structure and Format: Layout and Organization
There is a big difference between the academic and the corporate white paper format in terms of structure and organization.
Academic White Papers
Academic white papers normally take a very coherent and structured format to have rigor and ease of understanding.
- Title Page – Including the title, author(s), and date.
- Abstract – A brief summary of the research and findings.
- Introduction – Introduction of the topic, objectives, and research questions.
- Literature Review – Analysis of existing research.
- Methodology – Description of how the research was conducted.
- Findings and Discussion – Investigation of what was found and their implications.
- Conclusion – The purpose of reviewing main findings and possible study directions in future.
- References – A detailed list of sources used during the paper.
This structure will keep this paper giving research clearly, objectively, and will make other researchers trace the methodology and assist in its assessment.
Corporate White Papers
Contrary, the corporate white paper usually has the more business-oriented structure which is more flexible:
- Title – A concise, compelling title that describes the problem or solution.
- Executive Summary – Overview of the issue and solution, this is a brief report to decision-makers.
- Problem Statement – A presentation of the problem that exists in the target audience.
- Solution – Perfect explanation of the solution or procedure that the company proposes.
- Benefits – Description of the solution benefits.
- Case Studies or Examples – Real-world examples of how the solution works.
- Conclusion – Recap of the solution and a call to action.
The corporate white papers are generally formatted in a way that they are visually appealing through the use of graphics, charts, and call out boxes to draw attention to critical details as well. It is simple to read through and follow, and the information is quickly actionable by busy executives.
Content: Depth vs. Practicality
Both types of white papers differ largely in terms of the content because of the purpose and audience.
Academic White Papers
Academic white paper content is very scholarly vs. professional. It is more hypothetical in nature, with researched results or new theories, because of comprehensive analysis. The material is usually based on primary or secondary research, whereas it features statistical analysis, data set, and peer-reviewed materials. It means to add to scholarly discourse, and depth, critique, analysis have to be prioritized.
Corporate White Papers
In contrast, a corporate white paper tends to be more pragmatic and deals with the solutions. It offers technical writing to businesses and they usually involve case studies, product analytics or service presentations. It is usually driven by the aim of resolving certain business issues and incorporates data-driven observations that are meant to convince and enlighten. It is concerned with giving practical solutions that can be adopted by business immediately; it does not offer additional information in a particular field of study.
Differences in Purpose and Style
In conclusion, the variations in level of purpose and style between academic and corporate white papers are large. White papers in academia are intended to develop knowledge and add to scholarly discourses whereas white papers in corporations are intended to give solutions and bring business results.
The tone of academic writing is formal, citations are carefully given and the aim is intended to either inform or stimulate further investigations. In comparison, corporate white papers are more realistic in their tone, and they are directed at persuading business decision-makers to substantiate the worth of a product, service, or solution. The aim of this is to influence, to educate and to persuade with liberty given to the strategies of communication of companies.
Conclusion
There is a sharp draw between the differences of the academic and the corporate white papers. These differences are imperative to understand by every person engaged in the preparation or reviewing of these documents. Regardless of whether you are writing a white paper due to being on academic research or whether you are writing a business white paper to sell a business decision, familiarizing yourself with the expectations that each of the contexts may have will make your white paper effective and powerful.
By thinking of the purpose, style, audience, and content of both types of white papers, you will adjust your own strategy and make sure that your writing sounds convincing in the ears of the target audience to achieve the planned result.
