Penn State World Campus student Taylor Croy co-authored a research article with Penn State World Campus and Penn State Hazleton associate teaching professor of business Ellen Raineri, Penn State Hazleton assistant teaching professor of business and assistant director of academic affairs Lori Elias Reno and Penn State Hazleton student Brett Krapf.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A Penn State World Campus student authored a peer-reviewed article about marketing ethics in collaboration with Penn State business faculty members and a classmate from Penn State Hazleton.
Taylor Croy joined the research team in analyzing how often marketing ethics appear in ethical codes across several industries in professional national organizations within the United States. The group reviewed marketing ethics concepts and their benefits. They also detailed examples of organizations using ethical practices in the market.
According to the researchers, professional associations are expected to maintain a reasonable standard of behavior for marketing their services; however, ethical codes are not necessarily standardized in each industry.
The article was published in the Journal of Leadership, Accountability, and Ethics.
Publishing research and collaborating with Penn State faculty members is one of the ways that Penn State World Campus students can enrich their online education.
“It was a gratifying experience,” Croy said.
Collaborating with fellow Penn Staters
Croy was in the final semester of her associate degree in labor and human resources program when she enrolled in an online business administration course that explored ethical and legal issues in the industry.
After the course ended, the instructor, Ellen Raineri, an associate teaching professor of business, asked Croy to collaborate on a project which would focus on marketing ethics.
Croy was joined by Penn State Hazleton student, Brett Krapf. They were led by Raineri and Lori Elias Reno, who is an assistant teaching professor of business and assistant director of academic affairs at Penn State Hazleton.
“Ultimately, we found some interesting correlations, surprising data and opportunities for more research,” she said.
Croy said the references to marketing ethics varied in each industry.
“The most interesting thing that I learned about marketing ethics within professional national associations is how few references there are to marketing ethics within several organizations and industries,” she said.
Raineri said it was a privilege to work with Croy.
“We all benefitted from Taylor’s insightful ideas, skilled research and polished writing,” Raineri said. “The examples she selected made ideas within our publication especially meaningful and clear.”
Opportunities for online students
Croy said she did not think she’d have the opportunity to publish an academic paper, although it was something she wanted to try. She is grateful that Raineri asked her to join.
Croy chose Penn State World Campus because it fulfilled her needs as an adult learner returning to school after a nearly 10-year hiatus. She is also a military spouse, which can require her family to move frequently.
“Penn State World Campus provided me with an opportunity to get a quality education that moved where I moved, understood my scheduling and time needs, and is affordable enough to be attainable,” she said, noting the best part of her experience has been the professors.
Croy earned her associate degree in 2022 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Labor and Human Resources online through Penn State World Campus.
During her first semester in the bachelor’s program, her spouse received change of station orders, so her family had to move.
“When I reached out to my professors, they were fully interested in helping me do what was best for me and be as successful as possible,” she said.
After graduation, Croy said she hopes to work in human resources compliance.
Visit the Penn State World Campus website to learn more about the activities available to students online at Penn State.
Taylor Croy is a Penn State World Campus student studying labor and human resources.
Ellen Raineri was promoted to associate teaching professor of business, effective July 1.
Croy chose Penn State World Campus because it fulfilled her needs as an adult learner returning to higher education after a nearly 10-year hiatus. She is also a military spouse, which requires her family to move every three years.
“Penn State World Campus provided me with an opportunity to get a quality education that moved where I moved, understood my scheduling and time needs, and is affordable enough to be attainable,” she said.
Croy said the best part of her online experience is the professors.
“I have learned a lot from them, and everyone was more than happy to answer questions or give advice,” she said.
During her first semester in the bachelor’s program, her family had a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move and bought their first home.
“When I reached out to my professors, they were fully interested in helping me do what was best for me and be as successful as possible,” she said.
Croy is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Labor and Human Resources online through Penn State World Campus. After graduation, Croy hopes to work in compliance human resources.
Publishing research and collaborating with Penn State faculty members is one of the ways that Penn State World Campus students can enrich their online learning experience. Other ways include internships, clubs and organizations, and student leadership development opportunities.
Learn more about the activities available to students online through Penn State World Campus.
Mike Dawson
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