Final answer:
The capacity to influence the actions of others is defined as Power, which is distinct from authority, competence, and potential. Power can be based on rational-legal authority or traditional authority, related to law and custom respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The element defined as the capacity to influence the actions of others is c. Power. Power is distinct from authority, competence, and potential in that it specifically refers to the ability to exert one's will over others. There are different bases for power, such as rational-legal authority, which is power legitimized by rules, regulations, and laws, and traditional authority, which is power legitimized by long-standing customs.
Rational-legal authority is particularly relevant in the context of modern political and organizational structures, where power is often derived from formal positions held and the legal frameworks that support those positions. Conversely, traditional authority depends more on historical patterns and societal norms. Understanding these different bases of power is crucial for analyzing how influence is exerted and maintained within various social structures.