Final answer:
Preferred supplier status is most closely associated with increased commitment between a buyer and supplier, reflecting a deeper level of trust and engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preferred supplier status is an indication of a specific type of relationship between a buyer and supplier. It does not necessarily imply market share dominance, which is about controlling a large portion of the market. Successful TQM marketing strategy refers to Total Quality Management strategies in marketing, which are focused on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement but are not directly related to supplier status. Functional relationship superiority suggests a high level of operational engagement between partners, which is close to what preferred supplier status signifies. Increased commitment is more in line with the concept of preferred supplier status, as it involves a deeper level of trust and engagement between the buyer and supplier. Transformational security is not clearly defined in the context of supplier relationships.
According to the information provided for reference, the correct answer is D. Increased commitment. This reflects a situation where a buyer is willing to engage more deeply with a supplier due to previous positive experiences, reliability, or value.