Final answer:
In an 'indirect involvement' channel, companies use intermediaries and engage in activities like product design and production, but direct sales to the end consumers are excluded.
Step-by-step explanation:
When companies adopt an "indirect involvement" channel, they are essentially using intermediaries to handle the distribution and sales of their products, therefore they engage in various activities connected with managing these relationships. However, one activity they do not undertake is direct sales to the end consumer. Indirect involvement means that the manufacturer relies on wholesalers, retailers, or agents to sell their goods to customers, rather than selling the goods themselves. The manufacturer may focus on activities such as product design, production, and perhaps marketing support, while leaving the sales process to those intermediaries.