By Enoka Bainomugisha @kingbaino
Introduction
Action research involves solving a particular problem and to producing guidelines for best practice. When there are decision makers which need to be informed or swayed to solve a particular problem, White Papers are a good route research tool to use. White Papers are specific type of research papers aimed at influencing decisions. The purpose of a White Paper is to advocate that a certain position is the best way to go or that a certain solution is best for a particular problem (Sakamuro et al 2010). How you present the knowledge and research is just as important as how knowledgeable you are on the topic and what your research entails. A White Paper should be well researched and technically documented, demonstrating your understanding of the issue at hand (Knowledge Storm 2005).
While business White Papers seek to show the benefits of a product to consumers for sales purposes, non-business white papers often seek to influence policy. Policy is a deliberate system of principles to guide decisions and achieve outcomes. Policy is also a statement of intent, and is implemented as a procedure or protocol. Whether in health, law, politics, trade or any other field, research can influence policy. Individuals and organizations can increase their chances of impacting policy through well-written White Papers.
Action
The main characteristic of a White Paper is its format. The White Paper should be presented in the following order:
- Executive Summary
A brief summary on what the White Paper entails and is used to help the reader to quickly understand the paper’s purpose. The executive summary should be in the same order as the main report, include material present in the main report and be concise.
- Background / Problem(s)
Provide readers with the general background information on the issue at hand. Help the reader make their decision based on the understanding of the research. It is important to show the reader you are an expert on the subject, while not digressing from the main issues at hand. The problem or issue at hand should be stated clearly for the reader to see.
- Solution / Reccomendations
After explaining the background and problems, propose your solution or recommendations. The quality and utility of your solution or recommendation should be assessed using Double-S.M.A.R.T criteria: Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Results-Oriented; and Time-Bound. Solution-suggestive; Mindful of prioritization, sequencing & risks; Argued; Root-cause responsive; and Targeted. See Association for the Prevention of Torture article for detailed explanations.
- Conclusion
Your conclusion should appear as a result of the logical argument and information you have presented. Effective White Paper conclusions should propel readers to action that furthers your goals or solutions. The conclusion should briefly restate the main findings, and show readers why the goals and/or solutions presented in the previous section are in their interests. What makes white paper conclusions different than other conclusion is the emphasis on what the reader can do as a next step.
- Appendix
Place any appendices necessary.
- Works Cited
Place works cited at the end of your white paper.
General Rules
Length and content of the White Paper
The length of white papers is audience dependent. Generally, white papers to businesses, NGOs, or foundations should be kept to 12 pages or less. Longer topics should be split into multiple papers. White papers to governments tend to be longer (20 to 40 pages).
Graphics are important to white papers because of their ability to display information in an easier and more visibly appealing fashion. Do not use clip art or photos as they will make your white paper look like a brochure. If possible, include informative illustrations that walk the reader through a relevant process. Research shows that “pictograms,” the combination of words and pictures in a chart or diagram, communicate much more effectively than either words or images by themselves (Knowledge Storm 2005).
Perspective
Use accessible language and avoid dense language or overuse of industry or technical jargon. Technical or industry jargon can be used when you are positive your audience is intimately familiar.
Different types of readers look for different perspectives. A lawyer might be concerned with the legal aspect of your solutions while a government official might be concerned with the feasibility of your solution.
Ethical Considerations
The same ethical principles which govern your research should govern your White Paper. If your white paper references research you conducted, your appendix should include your ethics approval
Further Reading (Examples of White Papers)
Association for the Prevention of Torture. 2008. Making Effective Recommendation. http://www.apt.ch/content/files_res/Briefing1_en.pdf
Physitians Foundation. 2015. “Medicare Watch List Report”.http://www.physiciansfoundation.org/uploads/default/Watch_List_Report_Final_062215.pdf
Ponemon Institute LLC. 2014. “Global Insights on Document Security”.http://wwwimages.adobe.com/content/dam/Adobe/en/products/acrobat/axi/pdfs/ponemon-global-insights-on-document-security.pdf
Toews, Vic, and Christian Paradis. 2010. “Canada’s Cyber Security Strategy.” October 3. http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2010/sp-ps/PS4-102-2010-eng.pdf
Further Reading (How to Write White Papers)
Dukeshire, Steven, and Jennifer Thurlow. “Understanding the Link Between Research and Policy.” Rural Communities Imp acting Policy (RCIP), 2002. http://www.ruralnovascotia.ca/documents/policy/research%20and%20policy.pdf.
Knowledge Storm, and Content Factor. “Eight Rules for Creating Great White Papers,” 2005. http://www.idemployee.id.tue.nl/g.w.m.rauterberg/lecturenotes/Eight-Rules-for-Writing-Great-White-Papers.pdf.
Sakamuro, Sachiko, Karl Stolley, and Charlotte Hyde. “White Paper: Purpose and Audience.” Accessed January 18, 2016. https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/owlprint/546/.
Action-Based Research Methods 