This dissertation introduces and illuminates the phenomenon of cultural brokerage-- the act of managing cross-cultural interactions in multicultural teams. Across four studies, I develop and test a theoretical model of cultural brokerage, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. I find that members of multicultural teams who have relatively more cross-cultural experience actively engage in cultural brokerage, even without being appointed to do so. Specifically, cultural insiders (those who have deep knowledge of the culture of the other members on the team) and cultural outsiders (those who have deep knowledge of multiple cultures other than the ones represented in the rest of the team) both engage in cultural brokerage, albeit in different ways. Insiders are more likely than outsiders to broker by directly resolving cultural issues; outsiders are more likely to broker by facilitating interactions. Both types of brokerage enhance team effectiveness. A key insight of this dissertation is that while cultural outsiders are generally perceived as being far less valuable than cultural insiders, they are actually equally effective in improving team performance, and even outperform insiders when it comes to enhancing certain aspects of team viability. This work contributes to the literatures on global teams, multicultural individuals, and creativity. In addition, it provides practical implications for effectively composing and managing multicultural teams.

This dissertation explores the multifaceted contributions of Babette Deutsch, emphasizing her role as a cultural broker within the modernist tradition. Deutsch’s diverse oeuvre, spanning poetry, fiction, translation, and literary criticism, is re-evaluated through the lens of cultural brokerage, a concept rooted in anthropological discourse. The study delves into her impact on American literary modernism, her feminist literary contributions, and her pivotal role in facilitating transnational literary exchanges. By situating Deutsch within the frameworks of cultural mediation and linguistic interpretation, this research elucidates her efforts to challenge nationalist and instrumentalist assumptions in literature.The project establishes a theoretical foundation for analyzing Deutsch’s work, providing detailed analyses of her transnational poetry, feminist modernist narratives, innovative translation practices, and critical engagement with American literary production in the early to mid-twentieth century. Deutsch’s poetry is celebrated for its rich intertextuality and thematic diversity, addressing both personal and universal themes while reflecting her engagement with various cultural and literary traditions. Her translations are highlighted for their cultural impact and poetic qualities, positioning her as a key figure in enriching American literature with diverse voices. Her critical writings advocate for a cosmopolitan approach to literature, challenging restrictive definitions and promoting an inclusive vision of American identity. Deutsch’s legacy as a cultural broker is underscored by her ability to navigate between diverse cultural influences, thereby fostering cross-cultural dialogue and enriching American literary discourse. This dissertation not only reaffirms Deutsch’s significance in literary history but also proposes an expanded application of cultural brokerage as a theoretical framework for understanding transnational and multiethnic literary dynamics. / English