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Hours and Employment Variation in Business Cycle Theory

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  • Kydland, Finn E
  • Prescott, Edward C

Abstract

Previous business cycle models have made the assumption that all the variation in the labor input is either due to changes in hours per worker or changes in number of workers, but not both. In this paper, both vary. We think this is a better model for estimating the contribution of Solow technology shocks to aggregate fluctuations. We find that about 70 percent of the variance of U.S. postwar cyclical fluctuations is induced by variations in the Solow technology parameter.

Suggested Citation

  • Kydland, Finn E & Prescott, Edward C, 1991. "Hours and Employment Variation in Business Cycle Theory," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 1(1), pages 63-81, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joecth:v:1:y:1991:i:1:p:63-81
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hansen, Gary D. & Sargent, Thomas J., 1988. "Straight time and overtime in equilibrium," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 21(2-3), pages 281-308.
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