Which variables are associated with leadership declining?

The correct choice indicates that leadership declines are associated with a combination of declining dimensions (D) and high relative effectiveness (REK). This suggests that even in situations where a leader may demonstrate high effectiveness, the overall decline in certain dimensions can overshadow these capabilities, leading to a decrease in leadership effectiveness.

When dimensions are declining, it typically reflects issues such as diminished trust, decreased morale, or a lack of direction within a team or organization. These underlying problems can erode the positive impacts that a highly effective leader might bring. Despite the leader's strengths, if the foundational aspects of leadership—such as team dynamics or strategic vision—are deteriorating, it can hinder overall performance and effectiveness, leading to an evident decline in leadership strength.

In contrast, the other options imply various combinations of stable or low dimensions with differing levels of effectiveness, which do not align with the key understanding that leadership deterioration often occurs when critical areas are suffering and not just related to the effectiveness of the leader alone. Stable dimensions, for instance, might suggest that things are functioning decently despite a high REK, thus not necessarily indicating a decline in leadership.