What is defined as the capacity to influence others by controlling valuable resources?

The correct choice is power. Power is fundamentally understood as the capacity of an individual or group to influence others, particularly through the control of valuable resources. This includes not just tangible resources, such as finances, information, or personnel, but also less quantifiable elements like expertise and social connections. In the context of healthcare administration, power plays a crucial role in decision-making, resource allocation, and the ability to implement changes within organizations.

Having power allows leaders and administrators to not only guide strategic directions but also to motivate and persuade others to follow through with those strategies. This dynamic can significantly affect outcomes in healthcare settings where collaboration and coordination are essential.

Authority, while often related to power, specifically refers to the legitimate right to make decisions and enforce rules, rather than the broader capacity to influence through resources. Influence denotes the act of affecting a person’s or group's beliefs or actions, but it doesn't necessarily imply control over resources. Control may suggest oversight or regulation but lacks the nuance of influence that power embodies. Thus, in this context, power is the most accurate term to describe the ability to sway others through resource management.