Group communication refers to the interaction that takes place between two or more people.  In order to understand such an interaction, the definition of the term "group" must be defined more clearly.  Specifically, certain habits and ideas must be applied in order for a group to exist.  First, individual members must exist in some kind of relationship.  Groups should also share common interests, goals, and purposes as well as common values and norms.  Groups furthermore develop set roles of behavior that members should accept.  Finally, it must be noted that group members each have an identity.  Gahagan sums this up by stating that "a group of people is significantly more than the sum of its parts" (Beck et al., 2005, 224).  Thus, the importance of a group relates to integration rather than addition.  Also important to understanding how groups form is knowing the four stages in which they function.  The first stage, known as forming, is the initial stage of basic interaction in which several people come together and communicate on a regular basis.  Storming comes next and is a crucial stage of disorder and conflict that determines whether the group will further develop.  Norming results from storming and establishes group rules.  Finally, performing is the stage in which a functioning group emerges with its own personality and pattern of behavior.  It has also been suggested that the role a person plays in one group (family, friendship, or work) will influence the roles taken in other groups (Beck et al., 2005).