If you have never learned to be accountable for your actions then you’re going to have a rough time out in this old world. Everyone makes mistakes or they may something in anger. Perhaps they have stolen for the first time for reasons of their own, or they have purposely hurt someone they shouldn’t have hurt. By being accountable and facing each person you’ve hurt and apologize or rectify the problem you build a good, strong character and eventually, in time, people will look up to you as being trustworthy, stern but kind, and someone they’d like to have as a partner in life, workplace, or a friend. Being accountable for your actions and not running from them is called ‘responsibility’ and once you face them head-on instead of making excuses and running the other way you simply become a more reassured and confident person.

From: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/%27%27what_are_the_benefits_of_displaying_accountability_behaviour%27%27