Final answer:
Task groups tend to be less permanent as they are typically created for specific, short-term purposes and dissolve once the objective is met.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is a) Task groups. These groups tend to be less permanent because they are often formed for a specific purpose and dissolve once the task is completed. This is in contrast to other types of groups such as command, functional, and virtual, which may have a more enduring presence. Task groups play a significant role in society as they are transactional, task-based, and short-term, filling practical needs. They often have overt leadership with clearly outlined roles and responsibilities, which can include a chain of command in some cases. Moreover, these groups serve as instrumental functions focused on achieving specific goals or tasks. In modern societies, we witness the phenomenon of bureaucratization and McDonaldization, where local institutions become more standardized and less individualized, potentially impacting the dynamics and permanence of various groups, including task groups.