请教一道阅读题的一个选项的翻译

lifeoversea

GWD-3-23

GWD-3-Q23:

Why firms adhere to or deviatefrom their strategic plans is poorlyunderstood. However, theory andlimited research suggest that theprocess through which such plans

emerge may play a part.In particular,top management decision-sharing—consensus-oriented, team-baseddecision-making—may increase the likelihood that firms will adhere to theirplans, because those involved in the decision-making may be more committed to the chosen course of action thereby increasing the likelihood thatorganizations will subsequently adhereto their plans.


(下面是paragraph 2)

However, the relationship betweentop management decision-sharing andadherence to plans may be affectedby a firm’s strategic mission (its fundamental approach to increasing sales revenue and market share, and

generating cash flow and short-termprofits).





Q:Which of the following best describes thefunction of the first sentence of the second paragraph of the passage?

To answer a question posed in the first sentence of the passage about why firms adopt particular strategic missions无

To refute an argument made in the first paragraph about how top management decision-making affects whether firms will adhere to their strategic plans无

To provide evidence supporting a theory introduced in the first paragraph about what makes firms adhere to or deviate from their strategic plants无

To qualify an assertion made in the preceding sentence (lines 6-16)往前看about how top management decision-making affects the likelihood that firms will adhere to their strategic plans

   E To explain a distinction relied on in the second paragraph (lines 17-68) regarding two different kinds of strategic missions


答案是D.请问，qualify这里怎么解释。我觉得在第二段地一个出现的however是补充上面一段的结论--不光公司的决策方式会影响（team-work）公司对于长期计划的实行，公司制定的战略方案也会影响（harvest or build）
此外D选项中qualify如何解释？应该被归为下面那个意思?
请指教，谢谢

qual·i·fy

–verb (used with object)

1.

to provide with proper or necessary skills, knowledge, credentials, etc.; make competent: to qualify oneself for a job.

2.

to modify or limit in some way; make less strong or positive: to qualify an endorsement.

3.

Grammar . to modify.

4.

to make less violent, severe, or unpleasant; moderate; mitigate.

5.

to attribute some quality or qualities to; characterize, call, or name: She cannot qualify his attitude as either rational or irrational.

6.

to modify or alter the flavor or strength of: He qualified his coffee with a few drops of brandy.

7.

Law . to certify as legally competent.