Final answer:
The most appropriate action for a sales associate observing a struggling colleague is to offer assistance and guidance, fostering a team-oriented and professional atmosphere. Option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a sales associate notices another associate struggling to answer questions from a customer, the best course of action is B) Offer assistance and guidance. This approach ensures the customer receives the information they need and helps maintain a professional and supportive work environment. It can also be a learning opportunity for the struggling associate. Options A) Ignore the situation and D) Avoid getting involved are not conducive to a team-oriented workplace, and C) Mock the struggling associate is unprofessional and can damage work relationships and the business's reputation.