Countercyclical hiring (CCH) has been proposed as a limited alternative to conventional procyclical hiring. An empirical investigation of CCH was conducted on the basis of survey responses from 137 companies. For companies practicing CCH, cost and lack of meaningful work were found to be the most important of six potential inhibiting influences. Conversely, opportunities to hire higher quality experienced and entry level applicants were viewed as the most important of nine encouraging influences. Variables associated with CCH practice were identified through use of regression analysis. Human resource forecasting (HRF) for the purpose of avoiding shortages of qualified personnel and industry variables were found to be associated with the practice of CCH. No associations were foundfor the perceived importance of human resource planning (HRP), company size, the importance of maintaining a "regular" age distribution, or emphasis on management development.
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