Which of the following is an element of bribery?

Bribery fundamentally involves the act of offering something of value in exchange for influence or action from someone in a position of authority or decision-making. The core element of bribery is the intent to influence the actions of an official or another person in a position to affect a decision or outcome. This typically occurs within contexts like government actions, business decisions, or legal proceedings, where improper influence could lead to illicit advantages.

Influencing the actions of an official or other person entails a direct exchange that typically undermines ethical standards and laws governing conduct in various sectors, especially public service. While the other options may involve giving or receiving favors, they do not necessarily carry the intent to corruptly influence someone in a position of power. In contrast, the correct answer aligns directly with the legal definitions and principles surrounding bribery, which are concerned with corruption and the illicit exchange of goods or services for favorable treatment or decisions.