16439: ADCOLOR® White Paper White Noise.

Stumbled across the ADCOLOR® State Of The Workplace Study, which warrants color commentary including:

 

• The downloadable pdf is titled, “White Paper Master.” Perfect.

 

• The “study” makes ample use of quotes from the Digiday confessions series. Anonymous rants—from a publisher who has openly expressed disdain and disinterest with Adland to boot—are hardly suitable sources for a credible exposition, no?

 

• The credited “Research and Management Team” behind the “study” is entirely comprised of women—and predominately women of color. So much for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 

• Half of the “Research and Management Team” is from a single consultancy. While the consultants undoubtedly delivered professional services, it looks like ADCOLOR® delegated diversity documentation.

 

• The “study” seemingly regurgitates the same data, content, opinions, suggestions, and action plans that have been forwarded by every DE&I report ever published. It’s always amazing how common knowledge and common sense are routinely presented as breakthrough exposé on the topic.

 

• The most outrageous part? The ADCOLOR® State Of The Workplace Study covers the first segment of a three-part examination. Which means there will be at least two more white papers—with zero effect on White privilege in Adland.