The Assertion Inventory (AI) (Gambrill & Richey, 1975), a 40‐item questionnaire, collects two types of information about assertive behavior: (a) degree of discomfort felt in specific situations; and (b) judged probability of engaging in a behavior. Ss are categorized into one of four groups: Assertive (low discomfort and high assertion), Unassertive (high discomfort and low assertion), Doesn't Care (low discomfort and low assertion), or Anxious Performer (high discomfort and high assertion). The purpose of the study was to validate the Al using a role‐play format. Two experiments comprised the study. The Ss were 96 undergraduates (48 in Experiment 1 and 48 in Experiment 2). The AI scores were maximally representative of each Al category. The results of experiment 1 were congruent with inventory scores; the results of Experiment 2 were not. Potential consequences of social desirability and the use of role‐play as an outcome measure are discussed.

Organizational leaders often fail to use the trust building strategies necessary for the successful implementation of virtual project teams (VPTs). Grounded in Meyerson et al.’s swift trust theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies project team leaders (PTLs) and project management office leaders in charitable nonprofit organizations leverage to effectively develop trust in VPTs. The participants were six PTLs and project management office leaders from a charitable nonprofit organization in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Data were collected through semi structured interviews and a review of the organizational documentation. Data analysis occurred through a thematic approach. The major themes emerging from the study were trust, leadership, communication, and technology. A key recommendation is for leaders to create an environment conducive to effective communication and the right technology to facilitate the collaboration and work efforts of the team. The implications for positive social change include the potential for nonprofit organizations to effectively utilize VPTs in support of humanitarian and disaster relief projects for the benefit of people and communities around the world.