Despite the plenary research on idiosyncratic deals (i-deals), there remains a limited multi-level framework that examines contextual dynamics of i-deals and mechanisms through which i-deals influence employee creativity. Drawing on social exchange theory (SET) and self-determination theory (SDT), this study explores antecedents and outcomes of i-deals and their mediating and moderating mechanisms. Using multi-level, multi-wave, multi-source and multi-sample data collected in China (1202 employees and their 228 immediate supervisors in Study 1 and 1505 employees and their 258 immediate supervisors in Study 2), our research reveals four major findings. First, inclusive leadership positively relates to developmental and task i-deals that further lead to employee competence need satisfaction. Second, competence need satisfaction mediates the relationship between developmental and task i-deals and employee creativity. Third, work uncertainty, as a challenging cognitive demand, strengthens the relationship between inclusive leadership and developmental and task i-deals. Fourth, work uncertainty strengthens the indirect effect of inclusive leadership on employee creativity through developmental and task i-deals and competence need satisfaction. The study contributes to the literature of i-deals, leadership, and employee creativity.
