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PurposeThe aim is to test the influence of leader-member exchange relational separation (LMXRS) on individual creativity by building up a cross-level moderated mediation model. Besides exploring the mediating role of emotional support in linking LMXRS with individual creativity, this study also examines the moderating role of group-level team-leader exchange (TMX) in affecting the mediation.Design/methodology/approachLongitudinal data for 321 employees on 68 groups in over ten enterprises from China was employed to examine this model.FindingsResults showed that LMXRS affected individual creativity negatively. Further, LMXRS had an indirect effect on individual creativity via emotional support. Finally, moderated path analysis revealed TMX median attenuated LMXRS direct influence on emotional support and indirect effect on individual creativity.Originality/valueThe empirical research investigates the mediating influence of emotional support on the association between LMXRS and individual creativity. The multilevel moderated mediation model also expands the current findings by examining that group-level TMX quality can moderate the indirect influence of LMXRS on individual creativity through emotional support.