White papers are the business version of articles in peer-review journals that educational and medical professions write to get published. For example, a business may want to make a statement about their position on an important public policy issue and may issue a white paper than is more complex than just issuing a news release or report. Writing a white paper is much more analytical than just documenting an issue in a report. You have to apply a logical formula with supporting data to reach a conclusion that supports your position. If you don't do that, then it's just propaganda.