Final answer:
Financial lenders are the least likely source for new-product ideas, as they are mainly concerned with the financial aspects of a business rather than its creative or operational functions. (option d)
Step-by-step explanation:
The question focuses on identifying the least likely source for new-product ideas among a group of potential sources. Financial lenders ('Its financial lenders') are traditionally less involved in the creative and operational aspects of a business, such as generating ideas for new products.
Instead, their primary concern is the financial health and creditworthiness of the businesses they support. In contrast, a company's distributors, customers, employees, and competitors are all directly engaged in the market in ways that can spark new ideas for products.
Hence, the answer is option d